The fabulist metamorphosed and mytholigized, or, The fables of Esop translated out of Latine into English verse, and moralized, by R.A. ...

THE FABVLIST Lately metamorphosed .

The Cocke . Fable 1. WHilst Chanticleare one day a dunghill turnes , He findes a Jewell , which in scorne he spurnes ; And sayes , what lucke have I to finde such things , Which me nor profit , nor contentment brings , Some Jeweller , or expert Lapidare , Would be o're joy'd to finde a gemme so rare : I , for one Barley corne , or graine of Pease , Will give my share in a whole pecke of these . Morall . The Epicure whose belly is his God , The gem of knowledge underfoot hath trod ; And if at ease he lives , and eates , and drinkes , For vertue , nor good Arts , he cares nor thinkes .

The Wolfe and Lambe . Fab. 2. A Wolfe carousing at a rivers side , A harmelesse Lambe a skipping , lower spide ; To whom the Wolfe runs in a raging fume , And fierely asketh , how shee durst presume To spoile her drinke , the fearefull silly sheepe Trembling , intreats the Wolfe the peace to keepe , And begs a pardon ( having not offended , ) His drinke shee troubled not , nor e're intended : The more shee was submissive , milde , and humble ; The more the bloody Wolfe did storme and grumble , And vowes revenge , nor would admit excuse ; Quoth he , your fathers , mothers , kindreds use , Hath bin to doe me injurie , and spite , On you , their issue , I my selfe will right .

The Mouse and Frogge . Fab. 3. THe Frog and Mouse , both warriors stout , And fit to manage Armes , no doubt ; Proclaime a just and open war , Which of them should be Emperour , And King of fennes and marrish grounds , And thereunto give lawes and bounds , Both bravely come into the field , Resolv'd alike to die , e're yield : Each soldier being arm'd alike , A sege his sword , a rush his pike ; A while the fight was fierce and boody , ( Fortune belike in a browne studie To give the Palme ) the subtill mise , ( For they you know are grave , and wise ) Under a water-lily leafe , Had plac't an Ambush for reliefe ; Who to the battell freshly come , The signall given them by their drum : They furiously renew the fight ; In heat whereof , comes by a Kite , A fatall Bird ; who watcht that day , To make both Cumbatants her prey : For when shee thinkes them out of breath , Faint , weake , and fit for nought but death , Downe shee descends , and at the souce , O're-throwes and kills both frog and mouse . Morall . When in a Kingdome factious Princes fall To home-bred civill warres , and cruell brall , About dominion , and command of State ; Some powerfull Enemie that 's vicinate Taking advantage at their weakning warres , With power comes in , subdues , and ends their jarres .

The Dog and shadow . Fab. 4. A Dog in 's mouth bearing a daintie bit , A river swims ; the Sun which shone on it Casts o're the wave the shadow of the meat , He greedy yawnes in hope that too to get , Le ts fall the daintie morsell twixt his teeth , Whil'st he snaps at the shadow which he seeth : But when his ravening dog-tricke he had markt In stead of speaking , thus he howld , and barkt , Insatiate foole , thou art but rightly serv'd , If none relieving thee , thou should'st die sterv'd , Who hadst enough to serve thee many a day , Had not thy greedy folly thrown 't away . Morall . Flie avarice , this is the fables scope ; Fooles onely part with certaintie , for hope .

The Lion and other Creatures . Fab. 5. THe Lion would to hunt upon a day With other creatures goe , the tale doth say : But e're they outward set , they did indent He should but have his Divident , Where to assenting straite they kild a Hart , And as th' agreement was , began to part : But when his share away each would have bore , With furie mov'd , the Lion thus did roare ; As chiefe , the first part , doth to me belong , Second and third , because I am most strong ; And none pursude the prey soe fierce as I , Give me the fourth , or farewell Amitie : The fearefull Beasts , durst not his will gainesay , But griev'd to be thus gull'd , left him the prey ; And durst not urge the Contract , no nor utter One word ; who dares against the Lion mutter ? Morall . Live wth thine equalls , if thou l't happy be : Might masters right , even in the Beasts we see .

The Wolfe and Crane . Fab. 6. THe Wolfe eating a sheepe for her repast , Swallows a rib , which in her throat sticks fast ; And well nigh choakt , shee pittifully cries , Yet none regards , at least her remedies ; But having knowne the cause of her distresse , Thinkes her well punisht for her greedinesse . A Crane comes by , who after much intreatie , Or rather promises , on her takes pittie ; ( For much shee vowes , and much she doth assure , The Crane shall have for doing of the cure : ) The Crane then undertaketh in a trice , Performance of the cure , with this device ; Into the Wolfes griev'd throat , shee puts her bill , And plucks the bone out , which till then stucke still ; And having done her worke , demands her hire ; The thanklesse Wolfe grinding her teeth for ire , Away poore foole ( replies ) I nothing owe ; Is' t not enough thou doest in safety goe Dismis't from my fell jawes ? I had thy bill Betweene my teeth ; if I had had the will , I could have tane thy life , but thou sav'dst mine , And in requitall , I have favour'd thine . Morall . Beware on whom thou doest bestow thy cost : Good turnes to bad men done , are ever lost .

The Countrieman and Snake . Fab. 7. A Husbandman surveying of his ground , A Snake , the snow being deepe , sterv'd almost found : He brought it home , and laid it by the fire , Whence taking vigour it began respire ; And when her former strength shee gotten had , Shee hist and made a noise , as shee were mad : The Countrieman affraid , reaching aprong , With words and blowes , expostulates the wrong , saying , is this the thanks thou doest repay ? I sav'd thy life , thou wouldst take mine away .

The Boare and Asse . Fab. 8. THe rude unmanner'd Asse derides the Boare , Who being mov'd , doth grinde his tusks therefore : Yet lets not choler on his reason trample , But mildely saies , wert thou a fit exemple , I could reuenge this wrong , but let it passe , I scorne to take avengement on an Asse : Scoffe on thy fill , thy basenesse gives protection , Brave Boares contemne an Asses fond invection . Morall . Learne hence , if thou doest heare base ones thee wrong , To suffer bravely , and to rule thy tongue ; Exchange not evill language with the base ; Such scabs account it glorie , and a grace To be held worthy of revenge , and ultion : Sleight them , that cramps them more than a convulsion : The Horse regardlesse , barking curres doth passe ; And shall men weigh the braying of an Asse ?

The Citie-Mouse and Countrie-Mouse . Eab . 9. A Citie-Mouse , the season faire , Went to the Countrie to take ayre : A Countrie Mouse did entertaine Her , with her victualls , and her graine : And the best cates shee could afford ; Noe doubt shee kept an honest boord , And cheare , might serve a better guest : The Citie-Mouse displeas'd , ( at least Seeming to be so , ) mincing sits , And Cittzen like , scarce eats two bitts : The Citie diet doth commend , Bringing to towne unto that end The Countrie Shrew , that shee may trie it , And learne to rectifie her diet : She 's brought into a dainty roome , With Arras hung , sweet with perfume , And serv'd with costly delicates , Preserves , Confects , and Marmalets : But while they feed , and joviall bee , They heare one turning of a key ; And trembling in a fright away They run , and neither longer stay ; The Countrie-Mouse amazed stole Behinde the hangings , wanting hole : The Citie-Mouse to feast reverts , ( The servant presently departs ) Wishing her guest sit downe and drinke , And on the fright no more to thinke : They feast and tipple ; but the stranger Still thinkes upon the feare and danger : Well , quoth the Countrie-Mouse , I yeeld Your fare is richer than the feild ; But I had rather eat in quiet Browne bread at home , than finest diet , And be in danger of my head : Give me securitie with bread , And take your dainties and rich fare With perill got , and spent in care . Morall . Where danger 's sauce to delicates ; The feeders have unhappy fates : Where safetie doth attend poore cates ; The owners are in best estates .

The Eagle and Chough . Fab. 10. AN Eagle found a Cockle in the shell . And how to get the fish out could not tell : A Chough at that same instant comming by , Perswades the Eagle , mount therewith on high , And let the Cockle drop upon a stone , T' would break no doubt , she 'le lay her life thereon ; The Engle mounts , and with her takes the prey , The Chough at marke , upon the ground doth stay ; To watch the Cockles fall , which in a trice , Fell , and was broke , as Jack Daw did divise ; Who speedily the dainty fish devour'd , Before the cheated Eagle , highly towr'd , Could downe descend ; and chartering flew away : The gallant Bird insens'd , did little say ; But inly griev'd , when that her selfe shee saw , Thus guld and cheated by a paultrie Daw. Morall . Beware whom thou doest trust , who speakes the faire , Is not at all times , the true Counsellor : Some give their neighbours smooth and sweet advice , Seeming sound friends , yet prove false enemies .

The Crow and Cub . Fab. 11. A Crow with prey flies to a tree , And there proclaimes what he had got ; The Fox perceiv'd what it might be , And followes fast as he could trot ; And thus the Crow he doth salute ; Save thee faire Bird : now I see fame A lyar's false and absolute , That blacke as pitch , dares the proclaime : Why thou art whiter than the Swan , Or driven snow , and couldst thou sing , Were voice as good as fethers , then Of all the Birds thou might'st be King : With flattery thus the Crow abus'd Begins to thinke upon a noate , Guld with deceit , the Fox had us'd : And as he straind to cleare his throat , The Cheese he got dropt from his bill , Which cunning Reynard quickly caught , And having eat thereof his fill , At the poore Crow he stood and laught : The Crow sore vext at 's losse and folly , Flies to the wood in Melancholie . Morall . Vnworthy people which doe take delight To heare their owne praise , love the Parasites But in conclusion , get themselves thereby Losse of estate , and badge of infamy .

The old Lion . Fab. 12. A Lion who in youth fierce full of rage , Offended almost every kinde of beast : His former head-strong follies now in age Repents , and is repayed by the least : The Boare with grinding tusks , the Bull with horne , But chiefe of all , the dull uncivill Asse Pretending wrongs , as done to him , in scorne Spurnes at the Lyon , as he by doth passe : The grieved Lion sighs , and thus with teares Is heard his youthfull folly to deplore : It grieves me not , thus to be us'd of Beares , Or goar'd by Bulls , or pierced by the Boare : These gallant Beasts , with griefe I must relate Have felt the rage and furie of our youth , And they but justly now retalliate Their injuries , but this base Asse intruth I ever favour'd , and did nere offend ; Foole that I was to make such Beasts my foes : Foole that I was to make such Beast my friend ; That without cause joyes at my overthrowes . Morall . When thou art in prosperitie and place , Beware whom thou doest favour , whom disgrace : And make no man by injurie thy foe , Lest fortune change , and he exchange thy blow .

The Spaniell and Asse . Fab. 13. AN Asse whose backe was almost broke With loades of water and of wood , Observing of his Master stroke His idle Dog , which did no good ; And how the Master , as the Men , With morsels fed him ; weeping then The moaning Asse did much complaine , And curse his fate , who all the day Bare heavy burthens , and with paine Obtain'd his food , when as for play The Dog was fed of every one , And he poore Asse belov'd of none : Resolv'd to be the Spaniels Ape , To trie what flatterie could doe , One day did on his Master leape , And laid his lips his cheekes unto : The Master at this tricke affrighted Cri'd out aloud for helpe and aide ; The servants with the shew delighted , A little while a gazing staid ; At length each getting him a waster The complementall Asse so paid , He had no minde to ride his Mastor ; But groaning on the ground he laid : And of his kindnesse doth repent , And never us'd more complement . Morall . The fawning knave is often fed With plentie , when laborious men Can seldome have good word or bread : But many groanes , and now and then Striving to mend a wretched state ; grow likely , more unfortunate .

The Lion and Mouse . Fab. 14. A Cholaricke Lion being with heat opprest Under a shady tree was laid to rest : A troupe of active Mise him spide a sleepe , And at his backe their bralls and revells keepe : The Lion wakes and stirs , when in a trice Away for life run thence these light-foot Mise : One onely slug except , which being caught , For life , the King the Lion thus besought : I am a worme not worth your highnesse rage : Her plea , the Lions anger doth asswage ; He lets his Prisoner goe ; but in a while After , himselfe is taken in a toyle ; Who roares so loud , it shakes the very skies ; Yet were the nets not moved with his cries : The gratefull Mouse , that heard his voice and knew It was the Lion that her good did doe ; Runs to the net , creeps in , and with her teeth , Biteth the knots , and so the Lion freeth . Morall . Great ones take heed , how you the poore oppresse , The time may come you l need their littlenesse : To none doe wrong , presuming on your power ; For strength and wealth , are things which in an houre Are overthrowne , and lost ; and now and then , The greatest need the helpe of meanest men .

The sicke Kite . Fab. 15. THe Kite who on her death-bed lay Her Mother supplicates to pray Unto the Gods , and make request For health , for why , within her brest Her conscience drave her to dispaire , For she had never used prayer : Her Dam replies , Child t is too late Their Deities to supplicate ; Whose Altars oft thou didst prophane And with thy rapines , foule and staine . Morall . Honour the Lord , for in his hands Thy safetie , or undoing , stands Defer not Prayer in thy best state , Lest when thou prov'st unfortunate , And into miserie doest fall , He will not heare , though loud thou call .

The Swallow and other Birds . Fab. 16. WHen first the husbandman Hempe sowes The Swallow saw what he intended And to her fellow-Birds she goes And to their wisdomes , she commended Her true intelligence , which they Wise in their owne conceits rejected , And call her foole , and eat and play , Whil'st fatall Hemp-stalkes , high erected Thereaten their deaths , the Swallow prayes They would thinke on 't , and by the rootes Whil'st it was green , with strength assay To pul 't up , lest it breed more shootes : A second time they her counsell scorne By this the Hempe full ripe was growne , Shee that true love to them had borne , Wisht yet it might be overthrowne : But they her counsell kinde and good Fond foolish Birds , did still reject Or that it was not understood , Or understood tooke no effect : Taking her leave of fethered friends Unto the husbandman shee flies , And to his love her selfe commends ; Who enter league and amities , His house shall be her nest and tower And shee in liew thereof must sing Each Summers morne , about the houre That day-light to the world doth bring . They are agreed , and till this day The Swallow there her mansion keepes , And safely sits , and sings , while they , Poore silly fooles , The Fowler sweeps Into his nets of hempe compos'd They might have hindred , if dispos'd . Morall . Many there are that cannot give advise , As many , mocke and scorne at those that give it ; But when they suffer for 't too late grow wise , And wish like fooles , they sooner did beleeve it .

The Frogs and their King . Fab. 17. THe Frogs a free and populous Nation One day to Jove made supplication , ●s other Creatures they might have a King Jove smiles at first , at their petitioning , But to avoid the croaking of the Frog , He throws them downe a King made of a log ; Which fell with such a dreadfull noise and lumpe , It put the fearfull Frogs into a dumpe ; Who in amazement a good while doe stand , To marke their new-come Soveraigns command ; At last they neerer still , and neerer drew , But when their King a senslesse thing they knew , His wooden Majestie grew to contempt ; And by each Frog was rid in meriment . When ended was their sport , to Jove againe They Suters are for a new Soveraigne , An active Prince , one full of life and power : A Storke Jove sendeth them , who every houre , Some of his Marrish Subjects doth devour : Th' oppressed frogs a fresh begin to lowre , And being weary of their active Storke , Begin to wish their former King of corke , And unto Jove agen prefer their Suite , Who to their croaking praiers stood deafe and mute , For with milde Kings who will not live content , Are justly plagu'd with Tyrants government . Morall . Like Frogs the vulgar people bee , Contented , neither bond , nor free ; Who govern'd by a gentle hand , Account their softnesse , weakenesse , and For stirring Magistrates they call , Then such account tyrannicall . Vnconstant as the Moone or wave , Love change , and loath the thing they have .

The Dove and Kite . Fab. 18. VPon a time the Dove and Kite , Did war , and with each other fight ; the Dove too weake in hope of aid , The Sparrow Hawk , her Soveraign made , Too late they rue their oversight , And made peace with their foe the Kite . Morall . Whatere thy state is bee content , And long not after alteration ; But wisely learne ill to prevent , For danger's child of Innovation .

The Theefe and Dog . Fab. 19. A Theefe one night meaning to rob a shop , Unto a watchfull Mastiffe flang a sop ; The trusty Dog that smelt the knaves intent , Thus barkes aloud , and doth his theft prevent : False Theefe , he cries , I well perceive thy drift ; But know , I scorne to take a Felons gift : Should I accept thy morsell , I betray My Master , whil'st thou steal'st his goods away . Morall . Thus honest servants ever knaves withstood , For their owne credit , and their Masters good .

The birth of the Mountaines . Fab. 20. IN Ages past a rumour went , Hils were with childe , as women be ; Many a day and pound was spent , In travell the truth thereof to see , And many one was sore afraid , What monstrous birthes they might produce , Prodigious things thereof they say , As all conceived ominous . The day of this expected birth At length being come , th' are brought to bed A Mouse is borne , which causeth mirth ; All doubts and terrours are strucke dead , And the Spectators of this Scene , Doe laugh as if they had the spleene . Morall . Vaine-glorious braggards like hils stand Speake Giant words , and make great showes , When if their actions be well scand , They prove vaine and ridiculous : And doe our thoughts from wonder call , To mirth and matter Comicall .

The old Hound . Fab. 21. A Gentleman who kept a Hound , One day by chance a Leveret found ; The Dog with age was stiffe and lame , And slowly doth pursue the game ; The Master gives ill words and blowes , The toothlesse Hound no faster goes , Yet all the speed he can he makes , The Hare gets ground , the poore Cur slacks ; The huntsman following hard to bang him , Swears , frets , and threatens streight to hang him . The Dog , who all his youth had spent , And hunted to the mans content ; Thus makes his moane before he dies : ( Sir ) were you either just or wise , You would remember service past , Your owne youth cannot alwaies last : T is time to die , for now I see , Servants no longer cherisht be , Than when they trudge , and bring their Masters profit , Adiew bad world , for I am weary of it . Morall . He that in youth doth serve his Masters turne , Ought not in age be sleighted when he 's done .

The Hares and Tempests . Fab. 22. WIthin a wood the Hares upon a day , Whether inforst , or haply gone astray ; A sodaine fearfull storme of winde arose , And in the wood so loud , so strong it blowes , As if the rooted Trees it would o're-whelme , It blowes the Oake , and rocks the sturdy Elme : Their great hare-hearts amazed in a fright , To scape the storme assume a violent flight With swallow-footed speed they meet a pale Which stops their course , and then their hearts quite faile : Whil'st thus they are imprison'd in a pound , One that survei'd the fense through a rift found A mightie water on the other side , She shewes her fellowes what she had discri'd , And that which more her fences did confound , Tells them the very Frogs therein seem'd drown'd ; Whil'st thus through feare , they fall into despaire , Up starts a wily fur-gownd aged Hare , And to his panting fellowes thus he said ; Why are yee fellow-travellers thus afraid ? Pull up your hearts , and think no more of flight , If you would scape the storme , take heart and spright ; My life for yours , take courage , and stand fast , T is but a storme , and Tempests cannot last ; Or say it should , are not our bodies lin'de , And able to hold out , both cold and winde ? But why talke I of active bodies ? sure The way to shun a storme , is to endure : This resolute speech , their Sanick feare appeas'd , And scarce the words were out , but the storme ceas'd . Morall . This world 's the Wood , our troubleous life , Is full of Dangers , feares , and strife : Which are not to be shun'd by flight , true resolution onely makes them light .

The Kid and Wolfe . Fab. 23. THe shee goat going to a wood , To seeke out Provender and food , Within doore lockes her tender Kids , and open them to none shee bids Till her returne , a Wolfe that lay In ambush , heard what they did say , And at the doore anon he beats , And Goats voice quaintly counterfets Commands the Kids to open doore , For shee had brought them victuals store : Much good may doe you quoth a Kid , But we will doe , as we were bid ; For though your voice is like a Goate , Y' are Wolfe I know you by your coat . Morall . From hence this lesson learne we may , T is good our parents to obey ; Old folke doe give us best advice , The young which hearken too 't are wise .

The Hart and Sheepe . Fab. 24. A Cunning Hart the Wolfe being by Claimes of a Sheepe a debt long due , Pretended for a pecke of Rie : Intruth the Sheepe noe such debt knew , But the Wolfes danger to prevent , If so the Hart would give her day , To make assumpsit was content A pecke of Rie She would repay : The day is come , it must be rendred , The Hart demands the Sheepe to pay , Of which the Sheepe not one graine tendred , Nor none would give , did you not say The Hart replies , nay further sweare So that I would some time forbeare , You would it honestly discharge : Yes quoth the Sheepe , but I 'm at large , The Wolfe was by when I did sweare . Morall . Many intend t' intrap weake Inocence Before some craftie knave , a great offence ; And to the height of all extremitie , Will urge the complot of their villanie : But God preserves the guiltlesse from the snare Of such whose ends , and objects , bloody are .

The Countrieman and tame Snake . Fab. 25. A Countrieman kept a tame Snake , Which in a furie once he strake ; The Snake by good chance sav'd her head . And from him to a thicket fled : The Countrieman that then to fore Was very rich , grew wondrous poore , And with himselfe doth oft debate , What cause should thus confound his state : Resolv's t' was for the Serpents sake , Which in his angry mood he strake ; And forthwith to the thicket hies To finde her out , whom when he spies He praies t' accept her ancient lodging ; The Snake replies , without more dodging She ne're againe his house would see , Where she had found such injurie ; And though her wrong she him forgives , She must remember whil'st he lives , And told him shortly in one word , Shee 'd trust no more , man nor his word . Morall . T is pietie to pardon an offence , But to prevent , wisdome , and providence . Aliter . Let not thy choller so much over-flowe , To raise thy furie to a word and blow ; For hastie spirits never want a woe .

The Fox and Storke . Fab. 26. THe Fox one night a Storke intreats To guest with her , and taste her meats ; The Storke accepts the invitation ; The Fox makes daintie preparation Of liquid stuffe , but so it serv'd , The Bird in plenty might have starv'd ; For on the boord the Fox it powres , Which licking up , she straite devours : The hungrie Storke lookes wistly on , And seeing all the vians gone , Though discontented , little said , But hungry , angry , went to bed ; And there in musing spends the night , How her kind host● she might requite ; The plot was thus after short time , She bids the Fox with her to dine , And for the dinner doth prepare Great store of good and daintie fare ; But serves it up within a glasse , Whose necke both long and narrow was , Into the which shee puts her bill , And takes , and eats at ease her fill : The Fox might licke her lips at it , But could not get thereof a bit : And thus the Banquet was concluded . The scossing Fox , went home deluded . Morall . What ere he be presumes upon his wit , May finde no doubt some one to equall it ; That can repay him with like geires and mocks , As here the cousned Storke requites the Fox .

The Wolfe and painted head . Fab. 27. A Wolfe upon a Holiday , Belike the Painter gone to play , Did cast his eyes upon a head , So drawne to life , so shadowed , A reasonable man would weene , A counterfeit it had not beene : He tooke it up and gazing stood , But when he found it painted wood , Having perus'd it downe it laid , And thus unto the head he said : Alas that such a noble part Should have noe sense , and so much Art . Morall . The outward shape without internall grace , Is as a Vizard , or a painted face , Be getting scorne , for fooles more hatefull be . How much more faire they are externally .

The Iay. Fab. 28. A Paultrie Jay did once assume The Peacocks gallant train and plume ; And being drest in this aray , Flies to the Peacock , leaves the Jay ; But there shee made no longer boad Than till they found her pride and fraud , Which found , to the naked skin they stript her , And having scorn'd her , soundly whipt her , The little Birds that then stood by , Disperst this storie as they flie . Morall . By Iaies proud men and vaine are wene Who scorning of their owne descent , With gallant showes , and vanting plume , Amongst their betters place assume ; Till time disclose their pride and then Thare scorn'd of all deserving men .

The Flie and Ant. Fab. 29. The Flie upbraids the Ant and her dissent , Base worme she calls her and unworthy thing , Whose life in obscure nookes , and holes is spent , Whil'st who but she liv'd with the greatest King , Fed at his table tasted princely meat , Out of his royall Cup dranke his owne wine , Lodg'd in his chamber set in regall seat , Carous'd Canara , Claret , and the Rhine ; And fed on sweet meats , delicates and rare , Taking no thought , nor paines , them to provide ; But Court-like full flew forth to take the aire , Had plenty , ease , and gratis . Th' Ant repli'd , She must confesse the Flie had better fare , ( If dainties be best fare ) for her descent , Although she list not with the Flie compare , T' was honest , good , without disparagement ; And where you say we live in holes , and den , And that our dwellings are obscure and base , We safely live , belov'd of beasts and men , Whil'st like a rogue thou run'st from place to place , And haste noe lodging , nor inhabitation , But like a theefe living on spoile and prey , Thou onely doest possesse present occasion , Tainting those things thou canst not beare away ; Noysome to all thou art alive or dead , Hurtfull to man and beast , hated of both , Of putrifaction gotten , and so fed ; The soule , and lively counterfeit of sloath ; Thou art not sure to live nor breath a day , Held hatefull as thou art to humane kinde , By boies and girles th' art catcht and kill'd in play , And dead , leav'st nought but loath somnes behind , Whil'st we with safetie and with joy possesse The blest fruition of our peacefull cells , Lives free from all , being free from idlenesse , Eat what we get , and feed on nothing else , The River yeelds us drinke , the field gives bread , We thinke of cold , even in the midst of heat , Whil'st thou with the first frost that comes art dead ; And wanting sustenance of drinke and meat , Doest all the Winter season sleepe or sterve , Since victa'lls none thou stord'st , doest none deserve . Morall . Learne from the Flie , who speakes those things hee should not , Must be resolv'd to heare those things he would not : The Ant will teach a private countrie cell , ( When industrie doth with contentment dwell , ) The daintie carelesse court-like life out goes , More full of feare , and danger , than faire showes .

The Frog and Oxe . Fab. 30. THe Frog beholding of the Neat , Thinking to make her self as great , Swells like a bladder blowne with wind , And of her child with inflate minde Demands , doth not my greatnesse yet Excell the Neats , or equall it ? Oh Mother , doth the young one crie , Forbeare this tumerous Extasie ; For till you burst , if that you swell , The Oxe you cannot parallel : The Frog swels on , and croaks , doth yet My tumid bodie wax as great ? Or yet ? and bursts . Morall . So proud men find , The issue of a hauty minde . Aliter . To every Creature nature doth depend A generall gist , to some , shee Eloquence , To others , strength , to him , doth beautie give , That each contented with his lot may live : And where content abids , the gif it hallowes ; Where emulation rules , there ruine followes .

The Horse and Lion . Fab. 31. WIth age the Lion stiffe and lame , Unto an Horse then turn'd to grasse Did make approach , and to him frame A tale , what a prov'd Leech he was ; Supposing with his wit and braine , To get the Horse within his pawes ; The Horse knew well he did but feigne , Yet of his helpe seem'd to have cause , Tells him he comes in luckie houre , For as he leapt a hedge of thorne He prickt his foot which rag'd so sore , The torment was not to be borne , The Lion prayes him let him see The sore , and warrants remedie : The Horse lies downe upon his backe , And as the Lion came to view him , So fierce between his eyes he strake , That ( weak with age ) he overthrew him ; And so the Lion plies with blowes , Till almost both were out of breath , The Horse triumphing away goes , And to the cunning Surgeon saith , Good Sir , t' will not be taken ill , If on your selfe you show your skill ; Or if your worship hold it fit , Goe sell your salves , and buy more wit . Morall . Those are the mortal'st cruell foes , Which murther under friendly showes ; And Iudas like say nought's amisse , When murther 's harbour'd in a kisse : A wise man therefore still will be , Fore-arm'd with wit , and Pollicie , And lanus like , have double sight , To judge betweene the wrong and right .

The Horse and Asse . Fab. 32. A Horse adorn , din all his rich array , Ran a fierce course , and running loud did neigh , And in full speed or'e tooke a loaden Asse Which staid him for a while he could not passe : The fierce Horse trampleth on the ground in rage Champing his bit his choller to asswage ; And to the slow foot Beast in scorne doth neigh , To cleere the passage , and to give him way : The asse for feare of this hot Horses heeles , Out of the path silent and fearfull reeles , The Horse pursues his race , and runs so fast , He bursts his winde , and tir'd falls downe at last : But when the owner doth his Courser finde , Bemyr'd , with foundred legs , and broken winde , Unfit to ride , unapt to make a warrior ; For little coine he sells him to a Carrior , Who claps a wooden pannell on on his backe ; By this the Asse o're-takes him with his packe , And to the Horse braies , friend what have they done With thy guilt bit , and rich Capparison ; The Horse asham'd , answer'd no word at all , Well quoth the Asse : Thus pride will have a fall .

The Birdes and Beastes . Fab. 33. THe winged Creatures made a brall , With Birds and Beasts quadrupidall ; And certaine who had seene the fight , Would have beheld it with delight ; The Regiments were strong and great , Each wing Commanders had compleat , Both Armies full of hope and feare , Courage and danger equall were ; The Eagle , which Joves Bird some call , Once of the Birds was Generall , And wheresoe're his Colours wave , Assured victorie they gave : But yet the false faint hearted Bat Dispairing , turn'd base Renegate ; And to the adverse partie goes , Whom th' Eagle that day overthrowes ; The Bat perceiv'd the bataile lost Mounted on wing , doth flie in post , But is discri'd , and forthwith tooke , ( For what God treacherie can brooke ) Brought back , The Birds a Counsell call , Commanded by their Generall , Where in cold blood they guiltie finde The Bat of Treason , against kind : And although death she hath deserv'd , Her life was by one voice preserv'd : But as an Exile shee must sweare The winged Armie to forbeare , And never more abroad to flie While daylight doth inrich the skie . Morall . He that forsakes his friends in their distresse , Deserves not to pertake their happinesse .

The Wolfe and Fox . Fab. 34. A Ravening Wolfe , hunting one day to dot A bootie yeelding food for many a day ; The subtill Fox soone had it in the wind , And to her trots in hope to share the prey : Gossip quoth she , I gladly would inquire The cause you keep your house , and lie so quiet ; Oh quoth the Wolfe I 'm ready to expire , I did mistru●● ( 〈◊〉 Reynard ) you were nie it , Therefore I 'm come to visite my deare friend , And the best service I can do to profer : I thank you quo●h the Wolfe , pray then commend My health unto the Gods , when next you offer ; Meane time pray leave me , for I faine would rest : The Fox perceiv'd the Wolfe his craft discri'd , Went thence away with heavinesse opprest , As if the Wolfe indeed had like to di'd The Wolfe laughes in in his sleeve the Fox meane while Runs to a Shepheard as he kept his sheepe , And tells him how the Wolfe he may beguile , While in his den he lieth fast asleepe , The Shepheard takes his dog , his staffe , his sling , And with the Fox he goes : ( for she was guide ) Who to the hole him readily doth bring , Where the poore Wolfe betrai'd on sodaine di'd , The Fox for her good service had the den , And whatsoevever goods therein were found The Shepheard shortly after comes agen , And there the treacherous Fox he doth confound , And as the Fox his gossips death devis'd , In the same trap he falls slaine and surpris'd . Morall . The envious man that doth repine At 's neighbours happinesse and good ; Oft for him digs a pit or mine Wherin he sheddeth his owne blood .

The Hart. Fab. 35. Upon a Sunne shine day a Hart Repairing to a Fountaine cleere , Stooping to drinke perceiv'd each part , As in a glasse he looking were , When he surveyes his goodly hornes , And seeth what bredth and branch they beare , He shakes his head for joy , but scornes His legs which small and spindle were , Whil'st thus himselfe the Hart survei'd , And his owne beautie did adore , The Huntsman winds , whereat afraid , He flies as leaves , the winde before , The Dogs pursue , he takes a wood Thick growne and high , where in the bushes Fast fettered by the hornes he stood , Nor could get loose with friskes and brushes ; He sigh'd and wept before he did , As Harts ( some say ) are wont to doe , To see how he had magnifi'd Those parts had brought him all his woe ; When those that had him still befriended , With scornefull words had vilepended . Morall . We love the things which we should flie What hurts us most oft times most please , Wee looke on things showes faire and high , And onely fix our hearts on these . Tillsnar'd by pride our woes begin By that we most did glorie in .

The Viper and file . Fab. 36. ASmith one day ( you know Smiths are good fellowes ) To th' Alehouse went leaving his shop and bellows ; A Viper steales into his shop meane while , And with her teeth began to grinde his sile ; Foole quoth the sile , what 's this thy rashnes doth ? Sooner than hurt me , thou wilt burst thy tooth ; The tuffest iron , and the strongest steele , When I to bite dispose , my sharpnesse feele . Morall . Beware with whom thou doest contend , On stronger force they force who spend , With shame are vanquish't in the end .

The Wolfe and Sheepe . Fab. 37. BEtween the Wolfe and Lambe we see Nature hath put Antipathy ; Yet these two once would undertake . To make peace ; for performance sake Each gave their pledge , the silly Sheepe Gave up their Dogs they us'd to keepe : The subtil Wolves their young ones gave ; For while the innocent sheep were feeding And neither thought of wars or bleeding , The young Wolves howle in strong desire To sucke the Damme , and see the Sire : The Old Wolves hearing the young ones crie , Rais'd an Alarum presently : And on the guiltlesse Lambkins fall , Slaying them in a moment all : Suggesting they the truce did breake , The cause , they found the Lambkins weake . Morall . When thou doest make a league , or seale a peace , Beware of giving too good hostages , For under friendships colour and pretence Some first get power , then wreake malevolene .

The Wood and Countrie-man . Fab. 38. WHen trees could speake and had their native speech A Swaine comes to the wood and doth beseech To give him so much Timber as would make His Axe an helve ▪ It kindly bids him take ; But when this clowne had helved on his Axe , The stately trees he cuts , and hewes , and hacks , And fells them to the ground ; who now too late , Sorrow their owne , and moane their followes fate . Morall . Take heed on whom thy gifts thou doest bestow , Some turne good deeds to th' Authors overthrow .

The Bellie and Members . Fab. 39. MAns nimble foot and active hand , With bellie in contention stand , Accusing her that shee doth eat Up all their industrie and sweat ; Therefore they would no longer serve , But let her earne her bread or sterve : The bellie praies them to remember , She was but steward to each member , And what they into her did powre She shortly did to all restore ; Th'umuly members had no eares , Nor eyes to see , or heare her teares , But cruell hearted were content To pine her wanting nutriment . But when the belly waxed weake , The Arteries began to speak , And call unto the hand to feed The belly in this extreme need , For now they felt the strength that lay In those strong ligaments decay ; The stubborne hand did then relent , And would have reacht it aliment , But the poore stomacke was so cold , T' would nothing take nor nothing hold , They were too good the guts to cherish , And therefore with the guts must perish . Morall . As in our humane bodies , so instates , Each member on another doth depend , Eyes to the hand , hand to the feet relates , Man needeth man , friend stands in need of friend ; Ruine attendeth discord , when communion Maintaines the bond of peace in perfect union .

The Ape and Fox . Fab. 40. AN Ape ( whose taile you know is ever bare , ) Intreats the Fox , a peece of his to spare , And if he would confer a part upon her , It would ease him , and do the Ape much honour : Friend , quoth the Fox , although my bush be faire , T is not too much , nor will I give one haire , And say it were , I ▪ de rather have it sweepe The durtie ground , than an Apes taile wa●me keep . Morall . Some want , some others have too much in store , Yet cannot finde in heart to helpe the poore .

The Hart and Oxen. Fab. 41. AHart before the hounds ready to fall , Doth cast himselfe into an Oxes ftall , And begs of him , ( to shun the present danger ) Leave for a while to rest him in the manger : The curteous Oxe the Hart would not denie , But t' was not safe for him , he did replie , Because the master , or the watchfull hinde , Resorting hourely thither , would him finde ; The hopefull Hart of safetie makes no doubt , If he conceale , and not reveale him out ; He climes the cratch , come , lookes goes his way , The Hart being over-joy ▪ d with his successe , Begins to rouse as fearelesse of distresse ; To whom a grave and aged Oxe thus cries , Friend , though you have escapt this fellowes eyes , Who is in truth a Mole , or one as blinde , Our Lynx-ey'd Master Argus , is behinde , And he will see the least straw lie's amisse , Whil'st the Harts friend the Oxe , was telling this , In comes the quicke ey'd Lyncus to the stall , To see his cattell , where he o'relookes all , Strokes this fed Oxe , claps that , goes to the racke , To see if fodder , or if meat they lack ; And pulling out some hay to smell unto 't , By chance takes hold of the poore hid Harts foot , Upstarts the Deere , the Farmer shuts the gate , Downe falls the game , who dying thus too late Sighs out , unwise are they who for to shun The lesser danger , into greater run . Morall . Thus reason tells us that it 's alwaies best , Of two great evils to select the least .

The Fox and grapes . Fab. 42. THe Fox one day by chance espi'd a Vine , Laden with grapes , which being ripe did shine , And looke so lovely , short to make the matter , Don Reynards daintie tooth began to water , And how to have them downe he casts about , For they hung high , and his short reach quite out ; The subtill wits he had , which are not small , To get one bunch , together he doth call , But maugre all the braines he doth imploy , Like Tantalus he saw , could not enjoy : The more he lookes , the more he feasts his eyes ; The lesse his appitite he satisfies ; At length perceiving none he could devour , He cheers his lookes , who untill now did lowre , And saies I care not , yet these grapes are sowre . Morall . The Morall of this Fable thus doth teach , Men ought not care for things they cannot reach .

Arion and the Dolphin . Fab. 43. EAch child can tell ye that Arion was A man of mustick excellent and rare , Dwelt at Methymna ; Lesbos I le the place Fam'd for the birth of this eare-ravisher , Whom Periander Corinths King held deare , Aswell for gentle bi●th , as skilfull Art : But he had Crochets , as it should appeare , ( So most Musitians have ) and they must part . Arion needs must other countries see , Desire of forraigne fame his Harpe commands ; Sicilia first he foots , next Italie , Where in great honour and much grace he stands , Stealing mens hearts , as one may say , by th' eare : They , as some power divine do him adore ; Gold , and rich gifts , are given him every where , That he is cloid with wealth , he had such store : Backe to his Countrie , he resolves to goe , And for his voyage doth a ship prepare , Man'd with Corinthians whom he well doth know , All things made readie for his journey are : Arion puts to Sea , the wind blowes faire , Whil'st in securitie he lies at rest : The Mariners who alwaies watchfull are , Upon a night thus held their wardens quest , How rich a purchase we with case may gaine , Ther 's none abaoad , but knowes Arion here Abounding in such wealth , as few remaine His equalls for his Treasures , far , or neare : Who would not venture to become the Lord , And sole Commander of this prize , to trust A murther to the Seas , and over board , Him and his charming instruments to thrust : Let his bewitching laies sound new delight , To Neptunes scaly subjects in the deepe ; Let his rare harmonie win Amphitrite While we inricht cut through the Ocean , And landed live like Kings ; what think ye Mates , ( The Master saies ) to this my motion ? Who is 't can tell the Storie of his fates , None but our selves , and if we blab his end , May our tongs blast us ; All agree ; next morne , Harmelesse Arion to the water 's send : As some sweet airie singer on a thorne , Warbling harmonious notes , at unawares Intrapt , forgoes her tunes , and falls to peepe ; So poore Arion in the sailors snares , Leaves Musicks melodie , and gins to weepe : What means this outrage friends ? if for my goods Ye are combin'd , he said , why take them all : Let not your hands be stain'd in guiltlesse blood ; The Gods forbid ye should to murther fall : I value not my money , store , or treasure , For ship , and goods , and jewell , all are yours : Take all , convert my substance at your pleasure , Spare but my lifes unhappy wretched houres . He begs remorse : they do not weigh intreats : He weeps , such streames his body will not save : His lookes to heaven he casts , his breast he beats ; For teares no eies , for praiers no eares they have : Well then since thus you are resolv'd quoth he , To force me suffer what your wills enjoyne , Grant me one boone , before your tyrannie Bereave me of my being , with my coine : Reach me my Harpe , and give me leave to tye , Such cloaths about me fits my mournfull song , Swaine-like I le sing my sunerall Elegie , And make amends for borrowing time so long : They are content , his Harpe Arion takes Sings such an Orphean song , that calmes the seas : Then from the upper decke a leap he makes , Which more than all his sounds the Sailors please , For Corinth merrily they hoist their sailes ; All their whole course , they laugh , play , sing and drinke , Carelesse of what given-lost Arion ayles ; His Treasure shar'd , on little else they thinke ; But they must heare a strange and wondrous thing ; A miracle beyond all humane thinking ; A Dolphin twixt Arions legs doth cling , And beares the sweet-touch warbler from sinkings Upon whose scalie backe he sits astride ; And like skild Gallants running of a race , As these , on land , he on the Sea doth ride ; Save that no foure foot beast can match his pace : And though his late hir'd Ship was trim and tight , A daintie vessell , and of nimble saile ; This courser runs his canvas out of sight , Maugre tides force , or Eolus whistling gale : At Toenarus a small , but famous place , Where Poets feigne the entrance is of Hell : This fate lov'd Lyrick finisht his Sea-race , There plaies his wind-swift Steed a sweet farwell : Who , whilst his singers beat lifts up her head , Above the Harpe-calme Billow of the Sea ; But ceasing sodainly as strucken dead , Deseends , resounding murmurings at his stay : The joyfull man a shore upon his knees , With utmost skill sounds out a hymne of praise To Neptune and the other Deities , That beyond hope , thus had prolong'd his dayes : Then to Corinthus ward Arion goes , Which was not far from thence , so to the Court , In the same habit , and sea-season'd cloathes He comes , and there his voyage doth report : The King ( his friend ) heard him a large relate The strange events , and wonders that befell him : But he as all good Kings , all lyars hate , Not onely credits not , what he doth tell him ; But in his antique garment doth commit Him to safe keeping , till the truth were knowne ; Which searce was done , Fate so determin'd it , His Ship arives , report where of is blowne To Court , the King the ship master inquires , If he can tell him of his travel'd friend , Who answers , he in Italte respires , Belov'd , rich , safe , whom all for skill commend : I' st true , quoth Periander , ye relate ? Else let your Grace ( saies he ) take of my head : With that Arion shewes himselfe , whereat The shipper all agast , lookes pale as lead ; And the whole storie doth at large confesse , Imploring pardon for his guiltinesse . Morall . From brutish creatures we more mercy finde , Than from those men to rapine are inclin'd .

Hercules and the Carter . Fab. 44. A Carter having burst his waine As he was driving on the way , Sits downe and doth with teares complaine , And Hercules for helpe doth pray , A voice he heares from heaven descend , And to him in this manner say , Thy hand unto thy Cart first lend , Whip up thy Horse , the Gods then pray , First doe thy part , use all thy power , And then for aid , the Gods implore . Morall . For lazic vowes , God helpe , and idle prayer , By this we see the God doe little care , The lawfull meanes we must peruse , and then To our endevours God will say Amen .

The Ape and her Twins . Fab. 45. WHen as the Ape doth whelp , as some have sed , Of twins she evermore is brought to bed , One of the which she ever loves most dearly , The other nurses as a stranger meerly : And such an Apish Mother on a day , With her beloved brat in armes did play , when suddainly afrighted , gainst a tree Where to she leaps , to shun the jeopardie , The braines of her too deare beloved elfe She dashes out , the other saves himselfe , Which at her backe , as carelesly she bore As beggars doe their brats not cared for , Who grew in length of time a goodly Ape , And got the Mothers love as well as shape . Morall . Fond parents often times occasions be , Through too much love , too much indulgencie , To spotle and lose the children which they love , Whilst those least cockered ever better prove .

The Oxe and Heyfer . Fab. 46. THe aged Oxe went daily to the plow Whil'st the young wanton Heyfer in the field Was idle , fed , and plaid , nor knew to bow Her neck to yoke , nor could to labour yeeld , Nor could she be content this life to lead , But from the pasture one day to the plow , Softly as t' was her custom'd pace to tread She comes in state , and askes the old Oxe how He came so meagre , and did looke so leane , How his bald necke became so thin of haire , Wherefore in age to labour he did meane , When she did nothing , yet was fat and faire : The aged Oxe as then made no replie , But drew the plow as he was wont to doe , But shortly after as he casts his eye , This Iustie Heyfer came into his vew , For shee was bound , and to the Altar led , To whom the sober Oxe , but sighing spoke , Were it not better to endure the yoke , Than feele the Axe , to labour , than to be Th' untimely fruit of death and luxurie . Morall . Safetie and health , sweet industrie attends , When idle courses , still find tragicke ends .

The Lion and Dog . Fab. 47. A Paultrie Curre a gallant Lion meeting His dutie done , and complementall greeting , Saies to the Lion , Si● , what doe you meane To keepe the woods , and by-waies , and grow leane You see ( quoth hee ) how I am fat and fa●re , And which is best , nor labour nor take care , True he replies , your fare indeed is better , But with thy morsell ( Curre ) thou hast thy fetter , Thou that art borne a slave , canst sawne and cog , And fill thy paunch , a life fit for a dog , We that are borne to rule , and to be free , scorne to be fat , by base servilitie . Morall . Brave Spirits scorne to sloope to servile things , A wallet fits a beggar , Crownes fits Kings .

The River Fish . Fab. 48. ARiver Fish by waters force , Perforce was hurrid to the maine , The fresh thing quite out of his couse , The goodly sea fish doth disdaine , A●d of her birth , and of her breeding , Estate , and worth , she much doth tell ; And magnifies her drinke and feeding , The sea-calfe hearing this doth swell , And saies thou bragging thing of nought That dar'st wi●h N●ptunes sons compare , Le ts both be taken and be brought Unto the Market , if thou dare , Then thou shalt see which of us two , Man , the best Judge of flesh and fish , Shall give the price , and palme unto ; W' are meat for Kings , thou fil'st each peasants dish . Morall . Vaine glorious bragards , with the torrent borne Of selfe conceit , all others g●ire and scorne , But tane to taske by some well seasoned wit , Th' are found fresh fooles , for no imployment fit .

The Leopard and Fox . Fab. 49. THe Leopard a beast whose skin or hide , Nature with spots hath rarely beautifi'd , One day perceiving how she was adorn'd , The Lion and all other brutes she scorne'd , This gallant beast Reynard the fox doth meet , One known to be nor big , nor faire , nor sweet ; Who having fully learn'd her haughty pride , And cause thereof , the Leopard doth deride , Vaine foolish beast , of nothing proud but skin , Foxes , though foule without , are faire within . Morall . This learning then we gather may from hence , Of gifts to know a triple difference Of fortune , beautie , and internall grace , Of which the last deserves the chiefest place .

The Child and Fortune . Fab. 50. VPon a day it thus befell , A child sate sleeping on a well , Where had he falne into the pit , He must have perished in it : ( But see the luck on t ) fortune blind Came by and chanc't the barne to find , Groping him out ( for Poets lien If she can see or have her eyne ) And feeling him well made and prittie Upon his parts she taketh pittie ; Awakes him first , then lets him see The danger whence she sets him free : Arise she saies , goe home , there keepe Thee safe from drowning , there safe sleep ; For had'st thou perisht in this pit , I onely had bin blam'd for it , Thy yeares had thine excuses made On me the fault thereof had laid . Morall . On us we dangers pull by oversight , Then without cause blame fortune , and her spight .

A Youth and Swallow . Fab. 41. A Wastefull youth who had consum'd his state , A faire demeanes , which carefull parents gat Was growne so poore and miserable bare , That he own'd nothing but the cloaths he ware , Which when he saw the Swallow first appeare , Who , as we say , is Sommers harbinger , He sold them too , and did disrobe his backe To feed his hungrie bellie , but alack Hyems then milde , began his head to show , And grizled Beard , ameld with frost and snow , So cold the weather grew , so long it lasted This unthrift and the Swallow both were blasted , But when the ominous bird agen he spies , ( For he had nought to do but gaze ) he cries , Oh fatall bird , thou haddest well deserved , That kill'st thy selfe and with false hopes me starv'd . Morall . He that spends lewdly , shall with sorrow finde The want of helpe , in time of miseries : He that in Halcton dayes with lavish minde Wastes his estate , when blasts and stormes arise , May sterve for want , or in a prison dies .

Iupiter and the Crow . Fab. 52. THe Birds would have a King , Iove was content , And freely granted what they did desire , Unto which end he cald a Parliament , Wherein t' was rul'd he should the Crowne aspire , That lookt most lovely and most faire in show , Each bird prepares himselfe against the day , The Raven his deformitie doth know , And out of hope to beare this regall bay One of his owne worth doth of each bird borrow A fether , and thereof doth make a plume ; Never was Bird so faire seene till that morrow , And Iove himselfe , on his side gave the doome ; But as he was about to give the Crowne , Each Bird assumes the fether he had lent , And in a trice his plume they rustle downe : Don Corvo thus uncas'd , in discontent , Sneaks slily thence , Iove laughs , the wing'd crew smile To see how easily outsides may beguile . Morall . T is not the outsides , glorie , gorgeous showes , Subject to moths ; T is not the set by beautie of the face , Chang'd by disgrace ; T is not health , honour , riches , friends or power , Gone in an houre ; That makes us worthy of heavens Crowne , Which moth , nor age , nor sicknesse , can pull downe : But t is the souls adornment , heavenly grace , Exceeding honours , riches , cloths , or face .

The Lion and Bull. Fab. 53. THe King of Beasts ( saies Esop ) on a day , To take a well-fed Bull did lie in waite ; The Beast was strong , and held the Lion play , ( For to say truth , he sinelt out the deceit ) The Lion seeing strength no issue takes , With seeming love he doth the Bull invite To Court to supper , for a feast he makes With fatted sheepe , which he had kild that night ; The Bull durst not his Soveraigne denie , But thanks his Grace , and saies he will attend , Along they walke , for supper time grew nigh , And being come unto their journeys end , Enter the palace , and the dining ball . The Bull , whose heart was fill'd with fearfull care , And circumspection , saw no sheepe at all , Nor preparation for a Princes fare , Onely he sees great kettles , spits , and axes , Such as are us'd the oxe to kill and rost , Which seene the Bull retires , and no leave axes : The Lyon askes him why he makes such post : Oh quoth the Bull , these instruments I see , Presage the death of oxen , not of sheepe , Therefore your highnesse sups alone for me ; Light suppers ( Leeches say ) cause soundest sleepe . Morall . A wise man sees a tyrants traps and snares , And timely to prevent them he prepares .

The Lionesse and shee Fox . Fab. 54. THe shee Fox meeting of a Lionesse , Amongst some wise discourses thus doth prate ; I wonder why our bodies being lesse , We have more births , and often procreate , For every yeare we doe produce at least One happy birth , and at one birth have many To call us mothers , while you greater-beast In many yeares have none , or have you any , T is but one whelpe . I must ( quothshe ) confesse Compar'd with foxes , Lions are but barren , I whelpe but one , true , but a Lionesse , When all thy crew of cubs are arrant carren . Morall . Whence we collect those creatures are most blest , Not that have many children , but the best .

The Bee and Iupiter . Fab. 55. VPon a day the active Bee , ( The map of paines and industrie ) To Iupiter the first fruits gives Of wax and honey of her hives , So good to taste , so good to smell , Iove could not chuse , but take it well , And was so pleas'd with her that gave it , Aske what she would , and she should have it . Great God , she saies , this I request , That when by man we are opprest , Stealing the honie that we make , ( For is 't notfelonie to take The sweet from us , for which we sweat , Our onely sustenance and meat ? ) Such force there may be in our sting , That prickt therewith , it death may bring . When Inpiter had heard her suit , A little while the God stood mute , Studying belike what he should say , ( For man to him was deare always ) Not onely he her suit denies But addeth this , thou worst of flies , That would'st impoison with thy sting , Of all our workmanship the King ; When he from thee thy combes shall take . And thou on him assault doest make , And lose thy sting , then death shall be Just guerdon for thy crueltie . Morall . Wish no mans harme , no not thine enemies , For God in his due time will wrongs repay ; Indure thy crosses , suffer injuries , Although thy goods and wealth be tane away ; For he that gave thee them can lend thee more , And when he pleases , can increase thy store .

The Falconer and Partridge . Fab. 56. A Falconer tooke a Partridge once alive , And as he went to nip her on the head , With teares she praies , and thus to him she sed , Sir , if you 'l spare my life , and me reprive , I le play the stale , and bring into your snare Whole covies of my kind . Will you be true , And what for feare you promise will you doe ? ( Quoth he ) she vowes she will , the Falconer sware , Were there no more , her life he would not spare , That would for feare of death betray a friend : Would every traitor had this Partridge end . Morall . The traiterous person who in hope to save His owne life by betraying of his friends . So much the neerer drawes unto his grave , By how much he such treacherie intends ; For every one will bury him alive , Who to save one , would thousands else deprive .

The Tortoise and Hare . Fab. 57. THe Tortoise and the Hare by chance did meet , The nimble Hare derides the Tortoise feet , Whereat the Tortoise mov'd , doth brave and dare To run a course with this light footed Hare . Dull pated , as slow footed , didst thou know ( Quoth wat ) my speed , thou would st not dare me so , But I accept the challenge , name the place , And Judges who shall say , who wins the race ; Astutious Reynard of all brutes most cunning , Was made the Judge of this new kind of running , Who points the place , and doth for Justice sake To view who wins the goale , sit at the stake . The Tortoise laies all obstacles apart , And makes her course with all her speed and art : The Hare , who scorn'd her slownesse , by the way , As foot-men use , did dance , and skip , and stay , Meane time the slow pac'd Tortoise gathers ground , And long before the Hare , at stake was found ; Which when the Hare perceiv'd , she did confesse , The Tortoise wit outwent her nimblenesse , Morall . Hereby we see through industrie and braine , How sleighted persons , great things may attaine , And how the minde doth outward gifts out-run , For what force never could , wisdome hath done .

The Sallow and Axe . Fab. 58. THe Sallow of all trees did first give way To helve the Axe , so doth the fable say , Who in requitall first of all did put Her to the sword , and off her armes did cut Wedges , wherewith shee might the sooner cleave : The grieved Sallow doth the wrong perceive , And thus in teares she doth her moane expresse ; To be hewne downe by man , I must confesse , Doth not so much afflict mee , as to be Mangled and torne by mine owne progenie , And by those armes to whom I being gave , This wounds my heart with griefe , and makes me rave . Morall . In adverse time , the injuries we find From friends untrue , or done by kin unkind , Doth more afflict us , than wrongs done by foes ; Doubly he falls whom his owne overthrowes .

Iupiter and the Serpent . Fab. 59. IOve keeps his Nuptials , on which day , All creatures to his Court repaire , Bringing such presents as they may , Amongst the rest , the snake comes there , And in her teeth shee brings a rose , A dainty early fragrant flowre , The smell whereof ascends his nose ; She offers it , the God doth lowre , And doth it utterly refuse : For though ( quoth he ) I be the King Of all things breathing , and doe use To accept the presents which they bring , A Serpents gift I ever hate : So sent her hissing forth his gate . Morall . A bad mans gift , though faire in sight , Good men reject and bantsh quite : For ili effects doe closely lurke In such , when most they friendly worke .

An old man and his Wives . Fab. 60. AN aged lecher in the spring , ( Best time some say for marrying ) Because he would be soundly sped , A brace of wives at once did wed , The one was young , the other old , Himselfe twice thirty years had told : These three together dwelt and fed , The old wife oft would scratch his head , And that she might be held most deare , Pulls out those haires did black appeare : The younger wife that shee might hold All the affection from the old , A thing not hard to doe , they say , As fast did pull out all the gray ; That in short time it came to passe , As bald as any Coot he was ; And lookt so uncothly and ill , Men pittied him a while , untill They knew the cause , but then with laughter They mockt and gier'd him ever after . Morall . From scofs and giers he cannot well befree , That matches in old age for venerie . Digresse . Yet many such old dotards now adaies , To match their goutie bones to wanton laies , Count it a glorie , though they know they weave A cap to hide their hornes , more than their haire .

The Lion , Beare , and Fox . Fab. 61. A Lion , and a Beare , upon a day With hunger bitten , went abroad to prey : And as they ranging were upon a lawne , They overtook and slew a tender fawne : The Lion claim'd the prey , as his by right ; The Beare deni'd it , so they fell to fight ; And fought so fiercely , till for want of wind Both fell to ground : the Fox , who stai'd behind , And dogd them at the heels , to see the fray , And the successe , stept in and tooke the prey Which they contended for , and ran his way : The Beare and Lion lying like dead stocks , Roare out revenge against the saucie Fox ; Meane while Vulpone hies him to the hole , Leaving the wearied warriers to condole , Who grieve not halfe so much for want of meat , As that a stinking carren should them cheat . Morall . Two falne at ods , a third that takes lesse paine , Oft times steps in , and beaves away the gaine : So have I seene a craftie Lawyer thrive , By getting that , for which two Clients strive .

The sicke Lion , Wolfe , and Fox . Fab. 63. A Crazie Lion growing sick and old , Betakes him to his den and to his hold ; Which knowne , unto his habitation The beasts repaire on visitation , All but the Fox : The Wolfe that Reynard hates , Observing it , thus to the Lion prates ; Sir , be of comfort , for you now behold Your subjects love , though you be weake and old , Her 's not a creature , as your grace may see , But loves your person , and your Majestie , And of their zeale to make a demonstration , All , but the Fox , are come to visitation , Reynard alone , if any ill affected , T is he , siuce he his dutie hath neglected ; The Fox comes in , as it had bin his Q , And heard the Wolfs speech what it tended to , And though the Lion to indignation Was mov'd , by the Wolfes insinuation , To shew himselfe a wise and righteous prince , He first would heare , before he would convince ; The Fox with low obeisance doth beseech His royall person libertie of speech . And saies , Thrice sacred Sir , which of these by , Hath done such service to your Grace as I ? As I poore worme , borne for no other thing , Than thus to spend my meanes to helpe my King ; Whilst these about your person gaze and talke . Unto the learn'd Physitians I walke , And now at last after great paines have found A soveraigne salve , to make my Soveraigne sound : Nor was my absence as some by did presse , Out of neglect , but caus'd by carefulnesse : For what am I , or what good should I gaine , By reaping hatred from my Soveraigne ? The Lion , as all sicke ones health affect , Would know the cure that he might find th' effect , The more perhaps , for love unto the State , Commands the Fox his medicine to relate , Who sayes , although it homely be and plaine , Let me your servant , pray you 't not disdaine , You then must pull the Wolfes skin ore his face , And while t is blood-warme wrap you in his case ; Sir , this ant please you 's all , and easily tride . The Lion strips the Wolfe streight out of 's hide , Whereat the Fox doth smile , the Wolfe doth bleed , Oh might all base backbiters still so speed . Morall . The Morall's double , first , a Magistrate Although he suffer knaves insinuate , And impeach others , should reserve an eare , The just excuses of the wrong'd to heare . Next the malicious and backbiting tongue Which onely wags to doe another wrong , Drawes on it selfe the ruine , shame , and woe , In which another it would overthrow .

The Dove . Fab. 63. THe season being drie , the Dove with thirst For want of drink did faint , and almost burst ; To quench which drought , shee takes her selfe to flight , And as she cuts the aire , unto her sight A garden house presents a painted spring So lively done , the Pigion flags her wing , Poore harmelesse bird , whose innocency deems That each thing is in truth , the same it seemes : And in her fall she haps to break her wing , In comes a servant and the Dove up takes , Breaketh her neck , and thirst for ever slakes . Morall . This shewes that they which softly , safely goe . Who rashly worke , work their owne overthrow .

The Husbandman and his Cattell . Fab. 64. A Husbandman that in the field did dwell , Was forc't to keepe his house , the raine so fell ; Which still increasing grew to be so great , He was compell'd his sheep and lambs to eat ; The mutton gone , the tempest doth remaine , Untill the Oxen of the plough were slaine : The dogs perceiving them to goe to pot , Resolv'd to flie , I thinke 't was time to trot , For if his labouring beasts ( quoth one ) he slay , What will become of us ne're worke I pray ? Morall . So that we gather from the Fables telling , With cruell masters there is no safe dwelling .

The Husbandman and his Sons . Fab. 65. A Husbandman that on his death-bed lay , Having two Sons , unto them thus did say : My sons , ye know I love you with my heart , But I from you , and all the world must part ; All that I have to give , or leave behind , Is yours , dig in my vineyard , ye shall find . The Father dies , the sons in hope of treasure , Doe delve and dig the vineyard out of measure : Many a day they wrought , and turn'd the ground , But not a dram of coine , or gold , they found , Yet lost no labour , for the vineyard bore More grapes that yeare , than it had three before . Morall . Mans travell his assured treasure is , What wealth comes otherwise is fortunes blisse : The worlds lov'd darling , riches , oft we see Lightly come by , is spent as lavishly ; When what we labour for and get with paine , Does us more good , and proves the sweeter gaine .

A Fisher and his pipes . Fab. 66. A Foolish Fisher tooke his pipe and nets , And to the sea upon a rocke he gets , Where merily he pipes in hope assured , The fish with his sweet tunes would be allured ; He pipes and plaies two long houres by the clock , The fish no more were mov'd than was the rock ; Whereat inrag'd his pipe he puts in 's hose , And to his tackling and his nets he goes , Which happily into the sea he throwes , And a great draught of fishes doth inclose ; Which being drawne a land and to the shore , Danc't now as fast as he had pip'd before ; What foolish creatures are these fish , he saies , That piping heare not , dance when no man plaies . Morall . We never can expect happy successe , From senselesse workes , or actions seasonlesse : Preposterous pursuing of our wishes , Is t' as much purpose , as to pipe to fishes .

The Hart and Fawne . Fab. 67. A Little wanton Fawne upon a day , Unto his Sire , the Hart , was thus heard say : Sir , in mine eye , you are a lovely beast , Well limb'd and nimble ; footed for your crest , T is double arm'd to keep off an invade , Why should you be of every curre afraid ? You have more strength of body , length of wind , Than any dog of whatsoever kind . The good old Hart smiling makes this reply , The words my child thou speak'st are veritie , Why we should shun the hounds as now we do Or be at all afraid , I doe not know , But this I have observ'd which thou mai'st marke , Though great , we flie , though the least dog but barke . Morall . Whom nature hath made cowardly and faint , No meanes nor art , can make him valiant .

The Hares . Fab. 68. THere was a time the generation Of Hares did meet for consultation , All male-contents , and wot you why , they say , Nature ne're made such wretched wormes as they , Obnoxious unto dangers day and night , By men , dogs , vermine , famine , cold and kite , With sad laments they moane their wretched state , Praying Iove end their lives , or mend their fate ; Amend , oh never , quoth one aged Hare , Our case is past releefe , feare and despaire So fully hath possest us , that we see Even in our fleepe our eyes ne're closed be ; Wherefore let 's put an end unto our griefe , Death to affliction is a quicke releefe : So hand in hand as they in order stood , They were resolv'd to run to the next flood , And there like loving friends at once to sinke : Amain they run till comming nigh the brinke , A nimble frog that sate upon the banke , Leapt off for feare , and in the river sanke : Which seen , this wise old Hare cries out amaine ; Fellows and friends , from violence abstaine , Let 's live and be content , for now I see , That there are creatures fearfuller than we . Morall . More patiently men miseries sustaine , When they have fellow-feelers of like paine .

The Dog and Wolfe . Fab. 69. A Dog lying sleeping at a stable doore , A Wolfe comes by , and seizing him before He could escape or shun him by evasion , Was forc'd to fall into this kind perswasion : Oh master Wolfe , quoth he , what do you meane ? If you should eat me now , I am dog leane , Ranke carrion , meat unfit your dainty tooth ; But if you will forbeare one month ( insooth ) My master feasts , for he his child will wed , And in that time I shall be fat and fed . The Wolfe that lov'd his belly and good cheere , Le ts goe the Dog , and when the month grew neer , Returnes unto the stable , where he found The Mastiffe in the hay-loft sleeping sound , To whom he calls , and wakens , and thus sed , Friend , you remember what you promised , Your time 's at hand , and you are in good plight ; I thanke you , quoth the Dog , y' are in the right , I now am taught for sleeping without doore , And you to lose possession any more . Morall . From dangers mouth a wise man once set free , Will still beware of the like jeopardie .

The Lion , Fox , and Asse . Fab. 70. THe Lion , subtill Fox , and silly Asse , Went out to hunt , and in an easie chace Took a young kid , a sweet and daintie prey , The Asse divider's made , who doth obey , And into three parts casts the divident , As to his Asse-ship seems indifferent , And into equall shares it being laid , To take his part the Lion doth perswade ; Whereat the cholerick Lion in a rage , Wories the Asse , his furie to asswage ; And therewithall unto the Fox converts , Commanding Reynard to set out the parts : The wilie Fox laies all upon one heap , Except some fragments which himselfe doth keep , Whose wisdome when the Lion had descride , Best childe , quoth he , who taught thee to divide ? To whom the discreet Fox made this reply , The Asses harme , an 't like your Majestie . Morall . Where tyrants reigne t is better suffer losse , And rest contented , than their wills to crosse ; Other mens harmes should good instructions be For us to shun like wee , like miserie .

The Fox and Cat. Fab. 71. REynard the fox , and Pus the cat , Met by a wood to prate and chat : The Fox was bragging of his wit , The goodnesse , nimblenesse of it , And how she had at least a peck Of sleights , and tricks to save her neck , At any pinch : Well ( quoth the Cat ) Iove helpe her has but one , and that A plaine one too . The huntsman sounds His horne unto his deep mouth'd hounds , The Fox affrighted with the cry , Taking no leave away did hie ; The nimble Cat leaps to a tree , From whence the whole course shee doth see , How Reynard is for all his wit , Pursu'd , run out of breath and bit , Which seene away she home wards goes , Not caring for such tricks as those . Morall . Who builds upon the finesse his wit , And tricks , like Reynard here , oft bleeds for it .

The Asse and two Travellers . Fab. 72. TWo friends there were ( mine Author saies ) Which travell'd out of all high waies , And as they went it came to passe , Fortune presents them with an Asse , Sadled , and brideled with a bit , And all things for a journey fit : But when no owner they espie , They strive whose is the propertie ; Like friends at first they plead their right , When words nil serve , they fall to fight : And whil'st they unfriendly blowes do deale , The Asse away from both doth steale . Morall . Thus greedy persons often thrive , In losing that for which they strive .

The Wolfe and Crow . Fab. 73. OVer the Alps , a Wolfe a journey goes , Being all the way accompanied with Crows ; Who in his travell hapned on a day , Upon a liberall and a dainty prey ; The Crows therin would claime ashare , and why ? Because they kept the travellor company : I thanke you not , replies the Wolfe , ye take This paines for your owne ends , nor for my sake Should I fall sick and die , which Iove defend , I feare for all the love you doe pretend , The seeming'st friend among'st you , would not stick To be the first that would mine eyes out pick. Morall . Your Rookes in this our age are like these Crowes , In prosperous daies , they 'le flatter , cog , and glose , In hope of prey : but fall into distresse , They 'le sooner adde affliction than redresse : Then wisely judge ere deare experience find , The difference twixt fained love and loyall mind .

The Fishermen and Mercurie . Fab. 74. THe stars to Fishermen were so propitious , They once of shel-fish tooke a mightie draught , Whereof they eat so much they were suspitious They had some ague , or some surfet caught : They ate , kept , sold , they gave away and spent , Yet each had more than he knew well to use ; Their heads they lay together how to vent Them while they 're sweet , as they are in this muse , Hermes comes by , and him they did invite To taste their cates , as yet were fresh and good The God who knew their thoughts doth set it right , For as he was a God , he understood Their invitation was not for good will , But what they could not keepe , to helpe them spend : Rude churles replies , reserve your fish untill It stinke for me , I hold him for no friend , Tenders another what he cannot eat , So rich men bid the poore to their cold meat . Morall . Rich chuffes are taxt here , or their vanity , Whoe bids not friends out of humanitie , Or for loves sake , but that their gifts may show , What cheere they have , and in what wealth they grow :

The dancing Apes . Fab. 75. OF all earths creatures next to humane shape , Sence , reason , knowledge , Imitation , None comes so neer , as the ingenious Ape ; A beast ( saith Plinie ) apt to education , Of nimble foot , quick eye , attentive eare : Of these apt Apes , a King once kept a crew , All which such skilfull active dancers were , Great Lords and Ladies came from far to view Their feats and sports , which made them all admire , New active measures and new tunes they had , Suted they were in strange , but rich attire , A merrie fellow once ( or else a mad ) Who came to see these revells , or by chance , Or purposely , into his pocket puts ( As Ladies sweet meats for their sustenance ) Good store of Philberds , and of hazell nuts : The dancers enter , and their tricks they do Beyond report and expectation : All the spectators tane are with the shew , But now behold a pleasant alteration : While they are busie , cast into a ring , And lovingly hold hands , and dance the round , His nuts amongst the dancers he doth fling , Which doth all measure , time , and tune confound , No sooner one perceives and smells the fruit , But he le ts goe his hold and stoops to take it , Here lies a vizard , there a tattard suit , This masker shewes his fellows shoulders naked , That takes his next companion by the face , Never was seene till then a true French brall , They had forgot their taught curranto pace , And now they dance the battell naturall : This was a change their master never taught , A chance which no spectator looked after , Which pleas'd the more , because beyond their thought , The King and all the hall burst out in laughter And for this sport the merry knave he thanked , And in requitall tooke him to the banket . Morall . It is as hard a thing to change our nature , As for to adde a cubit to the stature : Rich clothes may change the outside of an Ape , But cannot alter nature with the shape : For to each thing where nature is instinct , Th' affections of the spirit are so link't , That though with force thy nature hence thou chase , Shee 'le straight revert againe unto her place .

The gald Asse and Fox . Fab. 76. A Silly Asse whose o'reworne burthened back With many a heavy load , and grievous pack Was growne so gald , that each small sucking flie Increas'd his torment and his maladie , Flings , winches , kicks , and whisks about his raile , Yet nought to move these leeches would availe . But still the more he stirs , more close they stick ; Upon the ground at length he lies heart-sick , And prayes the Fox which then by chance he spies , With his bush taile to brush away the flies : How long good friend ( replies the Fox ) have thus These infects to your back beene grievous ? Alas ( kind Sir ) this senight quoth the Asse , I 've beene so bitten that a blade of grasse , Which every neighbouring beast about me crops , Hath not beene seene within my jaw-falne chops : And doe they bite as bad as first they did Quoth Reynard ? Oh good sir , the Gods forbid The Asse replies , for should they bite so fierce , These and the Vultures mawes , had beene my herse Long time e're now : why then Vulpone cryes , To have them off , me thinks you are not wise , For should I sweepe these which are glutted here , And leave your gald back bare without defence , New swarmes of hunger-sterv'd malignant flies Would ope new pores , and suck new spurities ; Let these alone , you can but bitten bee , Full gorg'd suck gently , empty hungarly .

The Larke and her Young . Fab. 77. THis mounting Chorister in field Of wheat , her house , or nest , doth build ; Which e're her prettie brood were fledge Grew ready for the sickles edge ; She knowing well , upon a day , Thus to her little birds did say : When I abroad am flowne , give care If ought about this corne you heare ; For doubtlesse 't will not long remaine Here standing , lest it shed the graine : Away she flies , th' obedient birds Doe promise to observe her words . The owner and his son to see How ripe the wheat growes , instantly Approach , and thus the youngest fellow Saies , Sir , me thinks this wheat lookes yellow , T is more than time the same were cut , Fetch'd home , and in the garner put : This after-noone the father saies , I 'de have thee son , to goe thy waies Unto our neighbours , and our friends And pray them that they would attend's , With sickles sharpe to morrow morne , To helpe us reape this field of corne : This said , away the owners part : The peeping fooles with panting heart , As soone as e're their dam returnes , Recounts this newes , which she not mournes , But thus removes from them their sorrow ; If on their neighbours helpe to morrow The father and the son relie , We have no cause my chicks , to flie : For friends and neighbours few there be Helpe any in necessitie , But this excuse or that deniall , Answer such as doe make triall ; The father and the son next day Expected till the morning gray , All azure chang'd by Sols high beame ; But neither sickle , friend , nor teame Appear'd , at which the senior said , Our friends nil come I am afraid ; I 'de have thee therefore goe ( my sonne ) This evening after milking done And pray our kindred in the morne To helpe us in this field of corne ; He answers , yes ; away they went : The larklings doe afresh lament , And to their dam in wofull wise , Repeat their latter passages . Content your selves my prettie ones , The Larke replies , and cease your moanes ; Their kin on whom they now depend , Will use them doubtlesse us their friend ; For kinsfolke in these daies are slack , Their neerest blood to helpe or back : If friends and neighbours come not in , We need not stir for feare of kin . Next morne the pearles exhaled were From the ripe wheates gilded eare , And the chanting Larke on high , Warbled natures harmonie ; The houre before Meridian drew Neare , which by Phoebus height they knew ; But neither kith nor kin drew nigh ; To act the ripe cornes tragedie : Whereat inrag'd the father saies , Well , friends , and kindred , goe your waies , If e're you chance my aide to want , Like curtesie ye shew , I le grant . This afternoone see that you get Our sickles , and them keenely whet ; And thou , and I , to morrow morne , Will set our selves to cut this corne : Which newes being told unto the Larke , More seriously she gan to marke , And having pondered well the words ; Yea marry ( quoth she ) my deare birds , T is time to trudge , for now I see The old man , no more mocke will be ; Since he himselfe resolves to doe What friend nor kin would yeeld unto . Morall . He that hath power himselfe to make his ends . Ought not rely for helpe , on kin , or friends : For he that onely will on such depend , For meanes or helpe , may perish in the end .