alone saith he I you beseech Whilst 't is my head that akes you 'd cure my breech Mor. By folks unskilful it will be rejected If you 'd apply to th' part that 's not affected In their opinion it doth madly sound Bid them the weapon ' noint to cure the wound Men with their own sphears ought to be content Like Bedlams talk out of their element FAB 201. Of the Ass that was sick and the Wolves came to visit him AN Ass was sick who but the wolfs and dogs Came for to visit him they were no hogs How he did do they kindly seem'd t' enquire Though to hear he was dead was their desire Asking the question thus he answered I 'm better than you 'd wish for I 'm not dead Some seem concern'd for our recovery Who wish with all their hearts that we might die Mor. With groundless jealousie don't thy mind clog Yet doubt not to suspect a Wolf or dog FAB 202. Of the Nut tree the Ass and the Woman A Wallnut-tree was often pelted at It stood in the high-way 't was long of that There was a woman that did please to jear That tree the more 't was beat the more 't did bear At lestwise yield gave fruit for every blow Thou hast more fruit than wit said she I trow Walnut the woman said were I as thee So beat my fruit should rot upon the tree Mistriss saith he you would not thus disgrace Me if you knew a proverb in the case One self same law they say doth surely bind These three the Nut the Ass the woman-kind There 's none of these they say that rightly does Unless sometimes we men do give 'em blows Mor. Folks by this Fable to spare jears are taught She from the tree had as good as she brought That tree knew how to answer scoffing Shrows Which its self us'd for to give nuts for blows FAB 203. Of the Ass that found no end of his labors AN Ass was almost kill'd with cold and chaff i th' dead of winter that he could not laugh Til the Spring came and wish'd the Spring were near Then earth brick wood and Tiles was forc'd to bear Weary of Spring for Summer he did long But then his master made him work ding dong Carrying in new Corn and carrying out old Did he stand still his master streight would scold Then long'd for Autumn 't will me ease he says But few there are who mend in the Dog-days Then wine and wood and apples he must carry So long'd for winter that he could not tarry Nothing like frost and snow would do the fear It helps down weeds kills worms makes turnips sweet Winter returns and then he cannot laugh For he was froze with cold and fed with chaff Mor. We ne're are well in this would full nor fasting Summer or winter Spring or Fall but casting About how every one his state may mend 'T was best at first men oft say in the end FAB 204. Of the mouse that would make a League of Amity with the Cat. A Mouse more forward than the rest would make League with a Cat her countenance did so take And win upon him she did look so grave Demure devout he by all means would have Her his familiar friend I mean to be But of the friendship weary soon was he Though she so look'd that some would even swear Where mice would melt butter would not melt ther She lov'd the mouse so well she could e'ne eat her And did the rest so vex'd they could have beat her But that they could not for if mice and Rats Make League with Puss they 'l sort like Dogs and cats Mor. Trust not folks looks you may too often find An honest face with a dishonest mind Let Cats look how they will they in a trice Will shew that they must needs fall fowl on mice FAB 205. Of the Ass that served an ungrateful master T Was a good Ass dâ—d all his time ne're stumble Save once through too much load he chanc'd to humble With blows enough to fell him though he stood His master tri'd to raise him made the blood Boil all about him was in such a rage All his great services could not asswage Call'd him dull Ass dull Animal what not He that did ill but once went thus to pot This Ass had works of Super-erogation For which he then had no consideration He then bewail'd it as his great disaster So good a servant had so bad a master Once did I ill saith he that hear I ever Oft did I well of that I doe hear never As saith the proverb O ungrateful man Bear what I bear who but a meer Ass can Mor. 'T is a base humour quickly to forget A thousand good turns but not to remit One injury nay though it came by chance Service to slight Disservice to advance With all the aggravations can be thought May they no servants have but what are nought FAB 206. Of the Wolf that perswaded the Porcupine to lay aside his weapons A Fox-like wolf advis'd a Porcupine His back with Arrows not so thick to line In time of peace they a meer burthen are Archers lay up theirs for a time of war Call for their quiver just before a battle But make it not in time of peace to rattle Sir wolf said he 't is always time to fight When a wolf like thy self doth come in sight Mor. Arm arm when wolves appear and do not stay Till they have fastned and made thee their prey Prepar'd to meet with enemies be ever Or in good time too late's as bad as never FAB 207. Of the mouse that set the Kite at liberty AMouse did gnaw a Kite out of a snare Though Kites from mice deserve not such a care They are their foes nor was this Kite his friend Once free the mouse he with his claws did rend And tear in pieces most ungratefully Hence forward Kites for mice in snares may dye Mor. Be friends to some do them a courtesie They 'l be your foes do you an injury What kindness to requite some can't devise They 'l recompence by picking out your eyes FAB 208. Of the Snail that beg'd of Jupiter that she might bear her house about with her JVpiter to each creature gave its choice Of one good thing and he would hear its voice The Snail did say great Jove I only lack Thy leave my house to carry at my back That said the Thunderer would know cause why The Snail made that request he did reply I wish that burthen rather at my back Than ' gainst bad neighbours a good fence to lack Mor. Great priviledge is good vicinity Nought's worse in nature than bad company First is a kind of heaven the last of Hell 'Twixt both it is to live like Snail in shell FAB 209. Of the Hedg-hog that thrust the Viper her Host out of doors VVInter came on the Hedg-hog was to seek For a warm lodging did to th' viper sneak To
horns for he had wont to strike Do so again said he as that you like Fearing his feet put him into a plow Now play more tricks said he if you know how Shuffling his feet he cast about the sand Upon his face his head his eyes his hand Mor. He is a man of great renown and name Who a wild heifer does know how to tame Some folks we cannot govern for our ears They have as many tricks as dancing bears FAB 113. Of the Satyr and the Traveller A Hairy Satyr they as Poets sing Are Gods of woods and Groves did a kind thing A traveller was almost dead with cold Him he 'd take home to his own house he told And did they heap good fires the woods are theirs Made much of him but something did break squares Betwixt them and 't was this he blew his hand Of which the cause the Satyr did demand It is saith he that I may make it warm He spake it honestly and meant no harm But by and by his barley he did blow The cause of which the Satyr would needs know To cool my barley I do use my breath Said he thou shalt pack hence as sure as death Thou hast a very false mouth of thy own For thou to blow both hot and cold art known Get hence false loon double tongue errand knave you You shan't stay here I know not where to have you Mor. Trust not a man if credibly you 're told His manner is for to blow hot and cold FAB 114. Of the Boar and the Countrey-man A Boar that trusted too much to his tusks Would feed on corn and no more live on husks It cost him both his ears not at once twain He lost one the first time then came again ' Ware the third time the Boar like Ass or Mule Would not observe though 't is a common rule With his cropt ears a third time came the noddy And then the Tenant quickly seiz'd his body And to his Landlords table did present him For it had been in vain t' have only shent him For he could take no counsel for his ears For they were lost and he still void of fears One would have thought this boar all heart had been Yet as they say no heart of his was seen When he was brought unto his Landlords table Which made his Landlord greatly chide and squabble Where is his heart said he there are heart-stealers Too many I have met with some such dealers He had no heart the Countrey-man repli'd Or it ne're liv'd or it before him di'd Though hearts they say live first and last do die Him void of heart spake his simplicity Would not be warn'd when both his ears in pawn Were had which shew'd had he a heart 't was brawn Hearing him say it had no heart each guest Burst our a laughing but w' have lost the jest We heart for wisdome don't in English take He had no head if so our jeast must make Mor. Some are so void of courage and of parts It may be thought they 've neither heads nor hearts FAB 115. Of the Bull and the Mouse A Creeping mouse did bite a Rampant Bull Upon his feet with indignation full He shook his stately head and dismal horns Could not come at the enemy he scorns For he into a mouse-hole could not creep Where the small mouse in a whole skin did sleep What he would do if he could catch the mouse Safe in his hole he did not take care a louse Mor. Despise not an unlikely enemy He whom thou scorn'st may get the victory FAB 116. Of the Countrey-man and Hercules A Countrey-man whose Cart stuck in the dirt Calling on Hercules receiv'd this flurt Fool whip thy horse and shoulder up thy wheels For Hercules won't lacquey at the heels Of idle drones be thou a good Pains-taker If thy Cart won't wag Hercules will make her Mor. To this pass all must come there is no doubt To lie i th' dirt or take pains to get out It is in vain for those who swim in ease For to cry out help O help Hercules FAB 117. Of the Goose A Certain Hen some golden egs did lay Thinking she was a mine the owner slay Her did hoping to find her belly full Of egs and his own too his hopes were null Having so done he afterwards did need her He found no egs and he had lost the breeder Mor. Let no man hasten too much to be rich Blind puppies are produc'd by hasty bitch He that goes so to work the question begs Who kills the Hen must look for no more Egs. FAB 118. vide FAB 119. Of the Ape and her two Cubs AN Ape had twins she dearly did love one Seem'd not to care if t' other were undone There came a fright her darling in her arm She took brim full of care t' might take no harm The other like unto a Pedlers pack Or beggars brat she fastned to her back She made more haste it seemed than good speed So spoyl'd the Cub she lov'd more than she need Dasht him against a cragged rock until His brains gush'd out full sore against her will That on her back was safe as safe could be A Jolly Cub not like a twin was he Mor. It is no slander to charge Love with blindness Doubtless not a few folks are kill'd with kindness So the Ape hugs her young ones e'ne to death And so embraceth themshe stops their breath The children parents don't regard a fiddle Are usually those that are in the middle Whom so good fortune many times attends They need not care a fiddle for their friends FAB 120. Of the Ox and the Steer AN aged Ox was toyling at the plow Whom th' wanton heifer saw I know not how Revil'd him sorely Plow-jogger quoth he Not for a million I 'de in thy case be I frisk about the Pastures live at ease Despise all yoaks and bands do what I please Thou' rt like a ragged Colt I smooth and slick Do nothing else but eat and wince and kick The prudent Ox thought then few words were best To pass it by as if he spake in jest Soon after came the heifer with a halter About his neck marching towards the Altar This seen the Ox did thus the Steer accost If this be all you have no cause to boast To have thy ease and liberty I wiss Is no such purchase if it come to this Mor. Of ease and wantonness there comes no good If what it ends in be well understood It will be seen at last that they are broke Not who put on but who cast off the yoke FAB 121. Of the Dog and the Lion vide 102. FAB 122. Of the Fishes WHat made the fresh fish vaunt their pedigree Above all fishes that do use the Sea Is hard to say but in Nobility They did pretend all Sea-fish to outvie Phocas took 't ill an Emperour of that name Had been and he did look to be the same Amongst the
silver key Fring but good fees and 't is the Lawyers pleasure To be always at home always at leisure FAB 225. Of an old man that stonâ—d a young fellow down that stole his Apples ANaughty boy was got into a tree To rob an old mans orchard there was he Whether th' old man his Spectacles had on He spi'd a Thief his Apple-tree upon Call'd to him good Sweet heart prethee come down Those words were too too soft to give a clown He took up grass when his words would not do To throw at him in herbs there 's vertue too Said he then cry'd the boy the old man's mad Flings grass then he to take up flints was glad And when to crack his crown he made no bones I 'le try said he what vertue is in stones Mor. Go not to war till all things else be done Turn every stone for peace e're you throw one First try what words will do and then what grass Sâ—ines are the worst of remedies alas FAB 226. Of the Nightingal that promised the Hawk a Song for her life Awarbling Nightingal caught by a Hawk Could by no melody his clutches bawk Dear Sir said he be pleas'd to let me go How thankful I shall be I 'le let you know I 'le fill your ears with many a pleasant song Spare but my life and do me but no wrong You fill my ears said he pray fill my belly That must be fill'd that has no ears I tell you I can well fast from songs all the year round But not from meat for that would soon redound To my great hurt in sour and twenty hours My bowels yearn for you as I am yours Mor. Let Minstrels stand behind 't is a disease Less to mind what will profit than will please FAB 227. Of the Lyon that chose the Hog for his Companion MOst creatures to the Lyon did make court To bear him company 't was not in sport But in good earnest he refus'd 'em all Saving the hog him he did kindly call Much good may do him with his cleanly mate A kin for that to some who swines flesh hate His reason was hogs always friends have been That would go with their friends through thick and thin He truly said 't was no abusive flurt A hog won't leave me when I 'm in the dirt Mor. Him for thy friend to take there 's no cause why That won't be so in thine adversity FAB 228. Of the Gnat that beg'd meat and Lodging of a Bee AGnat with cold and hunger in great danger Beg'd with the Bees to be at rack and manger Take me into your hives said he and I Will teach your young ones curious melody I am a Fidler Bees this answer made Not so we 'l teach our young ones our own trade To get their living 't is to us a riddle Who are concern'd to live should meerly siddle Mor. To childrens education this care give So bring them up they may know how to live FAB 229. Of an Ass that was the Trumpeter and a Hare that was the Letter post THe King of beasts with birds commenc'd a war He to the earth belongs they to the air They of two elements could not agree He 'd have the Ass and Hare his souldiers be The Hare is fearful and the Ass is slow The Bear alledg'd neither of them will doe Said th' Lyon Ass my Trumpeter shall be The Hare my Letter-post for swift is he Mor. All are of use know we but how to use 'em As all may hurt us if we do abuse 'em Though it may seem in war they useless are Lyon knows what to do with th' Ass and Hare FAB 230. Of the Hawks which fell out amongst themselves which the Pigeons made friends THe Hawks among themselves had wont to jar The silly Pigeons laid to heart that war Made peace betwixt them at a solemn diet But then the other birds could not be quiet They least of all as who should say a spight They ought them cause they would not let them fight But husht their civil wars and made a close Hawks would be fighting witness the hawks nose Mor. Help Hawks for to fall out hinder them not If they agree Pigeons must go to pot When they have civil wars laugh in your hoods When Thieves fall out true neen come by their goods FAB 231. Of the Governour that was condemned of money unjustly taken AGriping Praetor feather'd had his nest For his exaction was call'd to the test He was a Sponge did hugely suck and suck Was full as he could hold of wealth and muck Came to be squeez'd such sponges squeez'd must be Forc'd to restore his ill-got wealth was he They that first get then loose unlawful gain Conceive with pleasure but bring forth with pain As women do one said that understood He lost what he had got like drops of blood Mor. Stoln goods are sweet when they at first are ta'ne Bitter as gall when they 're cast up again FAB 232. Of the old man that would put off Death TO an old man death himself did appear Thou must pack hence said he as I am here Good Death said he be patient until You give me time at least to make my Will And for so great a journey to provide He did beg as for life but was deny'd Said he great patience 't was I did not take Thee hence e're now Is thy Will yet to make Time after time I did thee warning give 'T is next a miracle that thou dost live Your face said he I never saw before Spare me a while and I 'le intreat no more Ne're saw my face said death will you say so Who men like grass use with my Sythe to mow Men younger than your self and children too You must ne're think such an excuse will doe Nay in thy self I a long time have dwelt Me in thine eyes and ears thou might'st have felt Death in thy limbs and death in all thy senses No warning to have had are vain pretences Life's part in thee death 's more than countervail Did though not yet thou' rt dead as a door nail Therefore old man let not vain hopes abuse thee March off thou must and shalt I 'le not excuse thee Mor. Death till it come in earnest is derided And when it comes finds most men unprovided Though many warning Arrows it doth dart They won't be took men play loth to depart FAB 233. Of the Man that spake to his bags of money AN old Syncator ready for to die Had got his wealth by fraud and bribery Before he di'd would parly with his bag How he came by it he 'd no cause to brag But how it should be spent he wish'd to know Whom to make merry it at last should go The bag made answer to his small content E'ne upon feasts and whores it will be spent And Pluto to in rich that great tormentor More fool wer 't thou to get it at a venture Mor. 'T is a
he could 't would not avail The Stork h' had flopt i th' mouth with a Fox-tail Mor. They say one good turn doth require another And when ill turns are done men keep a pother For to requite them too a common thing It is to give folks as good as they bring FAB 28. Of the Wolf and the painted head A Wolf into a Gravers shop did look Whether a Statue for a sheep he took As he pass'd by tumbling about he found A painted head whether 't were square or round He found it empty was and void of sense And Brains at which he laughter did commence But what I thought thou art quoth he I wiss A painted head but an ill head-piece ' t is Mor. A thick-scull'd fellow that doth look acute Goes for a wise man whilst that he is mute But when he speaks folks cry that they mistook Him to be wise he had a promising look Deformed folly is past over lighter Folly in beauty set shines so much brighter A well-look'd Coxecomb's a most scorned tool Either be wise or else look like a fool FAB 29. Of the Cornish Chough THe Jay with Peacocks feathers deckt was proud Then all his kindred quickly disavow'd With Peacocks joyn'd himself Birds of a feather As who should say are wont to flock together He was no Peacock though he took their plumes At which the real Peacock storms and sumes That he who was none of their company Presumed for to wear their Livery Over his ears he pluckt his borrowed gown Than common Jays left him no more renown Cufft him to boot and nubled well his nose Now go faith he chatter amongst the Choughes Mor. From warning South-sayers hath the pratling Jay His Latine name as called Monedula From them may others also warning take Their betters their companions not to make Who 've only Peacocks plumes have not their thirds Fine feather's make birds fine but not fine birds Associate with Superiours is they 'l do Strip thee of thy fine plumes and scorn thee too FAB 30. Of the Fly and the Pismire A Buisie Fly contested with an Ant Himself far better of the two did vaunt Boasted his pedigree and great Allies Come of the noble family of the Flies Whereas the Pismire sheweth by his name That of base Sire and Dam his meanness came His habitation next to mind he calls In White-halls Louvres and Escurials In Mole-hills Ants and little dunghills dwell Earth's warts or Earth's imposthums are their cells Fly said he Angel-like had wings and flew But Ants did crawl and creep as all men knew He fed on Pasties and did drink good wine Claret and Rhenish Sack and Muscadine He liv'd in ease and pleasure yea he said He play'd with Fortune Fortune with him play'd Quoth Ant Sir Fly whereas with my descent You me upbraid I am therewith content An honest Sire I had as ever pist My Dam was Earth mother of all I wist My Lodgings I confess are under ground I think that thou hast none but go'st the round Thy Pasties and thy wine I do not matter For I can feed as well on bread and water I know folks do begrudge you every bit You eat and drop you drink me ne're a whit And wish you might be choaked with your meat They say you spoil more victuals than you eat Of Flyes great havock made Domitian Hated they were and are by every man All things considered which of you are known Sir Fly you have no cause to be fly-blown Mor. An empty cracking Traveller is the Fly Who claims a priviledg to brag and lie And buzzeth idle stories in each ear So doing makes a shift to get good chear Beyond sea tells his father was a Duke Which they that know not false cannot rebuke Knowing if Lyes will please that he can tell some Thrusts into Princes Courts as bold as welcome Goes all a mode although he be way-laid for For why the cloaths on 's back are yet not paid for But the Ant is an honest labouring man For bread and small drink working as he can Besides from hand to mouth hath some small store Some Corn in 's barn some flitches hanging o're His head for fuell some straw and some wood Can make his friend eat and drink what is good Lives a great while whilst that the vapouring Fly Or starves or else for stealing comes to dye Whoso devotes himself for to upbraid Meets with his match grows weary of the trade FAB 31. Of the Frog and the Ox. A Frog by swelling try'd what he could do As big and portly as an Ox to grow Her daughter it should seem was more a Fox And cry'd alas what 's a Frog to an Ox E're thou canst equallize an ox thou first By so much swelling wilt go nigh to burst She swell'd and swell'd and swell'd twice and again And so at length she fairly burst in twain Mor. To be content with what we are is meet 'T is not Jove's pleasure that all should be great FAB 32. Of the Lyon and the Horse AN aged Lyon found his strength decay Yet could eat horse-flesh get it how he may He did forecast Horse-Doctor to profess Himself the best expedient he did guess Many diseases horses have he meant The credulous horse should be his patient His patient th' horse pretended for to be And said good Doctor you 're come seasonably A thorn is got into my foot said he Be pleas'd to pull it out here is your fee. Then said the Doctor pray the place me shew He puts on 's spectacles and did it view And poring as he was the horse I wiss Pope-like the Lyon gave his toe to kiss So stun'd all Cordials hardly could him quicken And then 't was plain the Lyon was well stricken Mor. Thanks to my self said he for my deceit Cheating's the best reward of them that cheat FAB 33. Of the Horse and the Ass A Prancing horse proud as himself came by Adorned with all kind of finery Brave as a Lord Mayors horse on Lord Mayors day A silly Ass chanc'd to stand in his way Be gone saith he and forthwith give me place Or else I 'le crop your ears not bate an ace If fair means will not do I shall use force Think not to make an Ass of such a horse The frighted Ass durst neither quitch nor bray He starts aside and forthwith gives him way Frisking the horses belly did come down And then his stomach too he came to Town Soon after in a carr the Ass did laugh To see him then as plain as a Pike-staff Quoth he are these your trappings I did find By your great cracking you would break your wind And when I found you were so proud and curst I said you swell'd so much that you would burst Mor. He 's drunk as any man that you see reel Who does forget that fortune is a wheel The highest spoke may soon be in the dirt If men in their prosperity will flurt And flout at
took the counsel which they gave They in a tender oak their nests would have The Oak grew up and therewith grew their snare Of which the silly birds were not aware Until such time as in the Lime they stuck And by no means their feet from thence could pluck And then they wisht their nests in roof of house Or in a little hole with any mouse Rather than there or in an Ivy-bush Touching the Oak they were all still and hush They had been very mad and conceited But th' Plaister to their feet had cur'd their head Then Senior Owl was counted their Apollo His words an Oracle for them to follow Then the birds vote as oft as they do meet The Owl him with much complement to greet Which is the reason why they flock about him To pay him homage not to jear and flout him Nay further they agree'd we may conjecture To make the owl his highness their Protector Mor. Owls must be hearkened to they see by night Though others cannot see but when 't is light Things must be took in time too late 't will be To fly when stuck in lime Rig Ships at Sea A man is happy if good warning make him Fly from an Oak before the bird-lime take him FAB 134. Of the Gourd and the Pine-tree AN upstart Gourd grew near to a great Pine Said to him the preheminence is mine In leaves and flowers and fruits I do excell My neighbour Pine his greenness knows full well Us'd him at pleasure crept into his branches O'retopt him and in injuries further launches The patient Pine was by this time provok'd Now speak he must or else he must be choak'd With endless taunts good Gourd be not so loud Said he you have no such cause to be proud Alas you sprang up but the other day Come nipping weather wither soon you may And must whereas the Pine time out of mind Hath kept its verdure spight of frost and wind Summer nor winter heat nor cold could blast The Pine whereas thy beauty won't long last Thou wilt come blewly off after one frost Thy greenness and thy glory will be lost Mor. Such as the boasting Gourd is every Scoundrel Who lately started up but from the dunghill Now better men than they would seem to be Who from the Conqueror fetch their pedigree Whose ancient families have kept their fame For many ages and are still the same Whereas some who in hast Estates have gotten May find the Proverb true soon ripe soon rotten FAB 135. Of the Crow and the Wolves A Crow the Wolves did far and near attend A serving-man in black this was the end When th' Wolves were full of prey they gave him none Though he beg'd earnestly when all was done In hope of prey we had thy company Said they thou wouldst eat us if we should die Nay was it not in hope thou shouldst survive And eat us dead whom thou couldst not alive To releive thee 's no charity I trow Eat dirt no carrion will kill a crow Mor. It every one behoveth to attend Not to his actions only but his end For why this point of wisdom all are taught Not to accept their Acts whose ends are naught FAB 136 137. Vide FAB 21. and 40. FAB 138. Of Arion and the Dolphin ARion was a Fidler of renown The King of Corinth lov'd him as his crown Yet he from thence to Sicily would go And Italy those countreys for to know Ravish'd all people wheresoe're he came With his rare notes and got himself a name And gold and silver to a mighty sum Then back again to Corinth he would come Inexorable fates no musick charms The musical Arion meets with harms His notes might chain mens ears but not their hands Money subjects him which all things commands To th' Avarice of greedy marriners Kill him they would his money might be theirs He gave them all he had besought that he Might live got leave to leap into the sea With his cloaths on but first like dying Swan Might sing one song to chear him if it can Seamen love musick and they gave him leave To sing and play it was but a reprieve He must to water go that liv'd by Air Notes above Elah made the Seamen stare Such were the Orphean notes which he did sing Which their hard hearts to spare him could not bring Rais'd by his fiddle since it so must be He boldly threw himself into the Sea Girt as he us'd with 's fiddle in his hand A courteous Dolphin brought him safe to land The Seamen made no doubt but in the deep Arion with his fiddle lay asleep But he on Dolphins back to Taenarus Was safely carried as on Pegasus From thence Arion unto Corinth went King Periander for to complement First kist his hand then told him by and by The-Dolphins kindness seamens cruelty The King could not believe one of the two But said Arion should to prison goe For so imposing on his friend a King Until he better understood the thing Sent for the Marriners his subjects they Were all Arion least in sight did play Whilst he examin'd them of what they knew Touching Arion who said it was true He was in Italy in great request Belov'd of all kept company with the best Rich to a Proverb in their own defence They said they left him there when they came thence Out stept Arion hearing them say so Whom by his harp and habit they did know The same with which into the sea he leapt The Seamen could into a mouse hole crept For fear and shame and nothing could reply For then it was too late for to deny That it was he the world could not gain-say Did he but sing one song one lesson play Mor. This tells some bruits have more humanity Than men who nought but money deify Who can be rich and safe riches they say Will make a very Orpheus a prey Or an Arion spight of melody Most strangely comes to light mens villany FAB 139. Of the Spider and the Gout THe Gout and Spider met upon the rode In the same town they both made their abode Spider whom Pride no less than poison swells Thought rich mens houses were the only cells Fit for a person of his quality And told the Gout e'ne quarter there will I. There he set up his looms and fell to work Was so secure he fear'd nor Pope nor Turk There he was weaving webs had great affinity With airy Schoolmens over-nice divinity Till new broom came which they say clean doth sweep Then he his quarters could not longer keep For to give over working he is made Though once there was an Emperor of his trade He meets with many a brush and many a check Scap'd narrowly the breaking of his neck Thrown down from high roof'd houses like Pauls-steeple Sorely affronted before all the people The Gout was got into a poor mans hutch There the tormentor was tormented much Truth is was almost starv'd nor bed nor
Anger that makes a noise is found but light A barking dog they say do's seldome bite They 're not so bitter that are not so grave Your silent natures setled malice have FAB 145. Of the Pigeon and the Magpy MAgpy would know why doves one nest would keep Where their young in a whole skin could not sleep The Dove spake like her self shew'd no cause why But this 't is long of our simplicity Mor. This false conceit oft spoils the innocent Who mean no hurt do think no burt is meant FAB 146. Of the Cuokow and the Hawk A Hawk the sordid Cuckow did abuse That for his diet he earth-worms would use Big as himself in colour not unlike him That he 'd not fly at birds he could e'ne strike him Great Booby as he was himself are Pigeons Cuckows to feed on earth-worms were meer wigeons Cuckow past by soon after saw the Hawk Hanging so plain the sight he could not bawk From a high turret and good reason why He was condemned for his Robbery Pigeons he lov'd and those he us'd to steal Then to th' surviving hawks he did appeal Should we not to our appetites give check Rather than venture to hang by the neck Give me to live in safety on a Heath You birds of prey dig your graves with your teeth Mor. A thief's the hawk a merry life though short He doth affect he cannot cat an ort Feed high he must on those things he loves most He 'll have some hollow birds whate're they cost Take what 's thine own this saying oft rehearse Better eat Neck-beef than come to neck-verse FAB 147. Of the Ass and the Calf AN Ass and Calf well sorted for their wit To feed together in one Pasture hit By sound o' th trumpet knew an enemy Approaching was said th' Calf now let us fly Then said the Ass to th' Calf thou art good meat Fly thou thee if they catch they 'l kill and eat I for my part will here make my abode Whoe're I serve I shall have but my load Mor. Masters if they prove Captives loose their will Vassals if taken are but vassals still Servants in time of war have less disaster They can but drudge whoever be their master FAB 148. Of the Fox and the women that eat the Hens A Fox that saw some women Gossipping With hens and egs that might befit a King To see such sights we need no long way wander They say that 's good for Goose that 's good for gander Call'd unto them and said should I so fare How all the Dogs would bark and tear You rogue said one 't is fit you should have none You steal both egs and hens we eat our own Mor. Who have it of their own may eat the best But they that have it not mayn't use to feast FAB 149. Of the fat Capons and the lean one VVHipt Chickens or whipt Capons had a man Upon a time some fat 'em that way can All saving one as fat as fat could be A very Rascall of his body he This poor lean Rascall all the rest abuse Thought him not worthy for to wipe their shooes Then came the Misers feast the fat must die The lean one was a meer Anatomy And so he scap'd it often happens that 'T is better to be lean than to be fat Mor. 'T is sometimes safer to be cheap than dear And good sense well fare nothing once a year FAB 150. Of the piece of Timber and the Oxen that drew it A Load of Elme which certain Oxen drew Took it unkindly upon the review Of what themselves had for the oxen done In days of yer those days were past and gone When that the Oxen upon their green boughs Had leave and liberty to graze and browse That they should drag them through the dirt and mire Pardon from th' Elms the Oxen did desire Full sore against our wills we draw this cart They say our groans may show it breaks our heart Mor. Who injures thee full sore against his mind Think him unhappy think him not unkind FAB 151. Of the goodly trees and the ill-favour'd one THere was a parcel of most curious trees Both rare for use and every eye to please A dwarf amongst them whose deformity Made him a scorn they say to every eye Spirit of building on the owner fell A fatal spirit as the Welch-men tell Down goes the trees that tall and handsome were And fit for building the dwarf had no fear But he might stand and did for none would take hin His ugliness a meer eye-fore did make him Then said the dwarf nature I must not blame Had I been handsome I had ru'd the same Mor. With homeliness to be content's a duty Some have seen cause for to repent their beauty FAB 152. Of the Swan that sang at her death and was blam'd by the Stork A Stork was by and heard a dying Swan Sing better than in health they use or can Thought it was then no time for him to sing For death most count is no such pleasant thing Wouldst know the cause she said now of my cares I grow towards an end and of my snares Mor. We came from dust and must go back to dirt Some folks by death are much more scar'd than hurt Black Swans they say have seldom seen the light Well may they sing at death that are pure white To good men 't is a priviledge to die Come death they have more cause to sing than cry FAB 153. Of the woman that wailed for her dying Husband A Man late married lay at point of death His poor young wife took on whilst he had breath And would admit no comfort though her mother Told her that she would soon procure another Husband for her much handsomer of the two She was so much in grief it would not do Yea to be vex'd with her she said was reasonable Because her mothers words were most unseasonable Her husband di'd soon after on the biere Was laid for burial whilst the guests were there Mother said she which is the Gentleman You spoke of I would see him if I can If that proposal may be for my good The thoughts of it may chear my Widdow-hood Mor. Husbands are soon forgot when they are dead And widdows look to be soon married Some seem to grieve so far as we can see Not to loose husbands but they widdows be FAB 154. Of a woman that wept for her Lovers departure A Minion did lament her Love was gone Seem'd to grieve so as if confin'd to one Though she had many ask'd the reason why Said I had all his things but 's cloak want I It grieves me for his cloak his cloak I want 'T is that not th' loss of him that does me daunt Mor. Minions are sordid Muck worms very dirt Grieve if they cannot strip you to your shirt FAB 155. Of the Fly which sitting upon a Charriot said that she had raised a dust A Bragging Fly upon a Coach-wheel sat
great vanity that 's found in some Fathers with rakes their sons with pitchforks come Those children mostly richest are they tell Whose parents for their sakes do go to hell What parents toil for till they come to die Children for wine and women make to fly Who hardly gets his wealth its value knows Too well but what comes lightly lightly goes LIB II. FAB 1. Of the Fox and the He-goat A Fox and He-goat both were much athirst Went down into a well 't was much they durst 'T was easie to get in but to get out That was the business it was a tough bout Sir Reynard was a Fox and he could tell How to convey himself out of the well Sir Goat saith he mount your feet on the wall Lower your back for now you are too tall Then clap your head and horns close to your breast When that is done leave me to do the rest I 'le leap upon your back and so get out To pluck you after me I do not doubt Thanks to the goat the Fox escap'd full well But how the goat should ' scape he could not tell Then Fox the Carrot-monger laugh'd in 's sleeve To see how he the goat i th' lurch did leave Good Sir said he from henceforth have a care How you go in until that sure you are How to get out again one shun'd it when He saw no steps were from the Lyons den Mor. Whatsoe're you undertake always attend Not the beginning only but the end FAB 2. Of the Fox and the Lyon vide FAB 3. Of the Fox and the Patridges ONe who had store of Cocks a Patridge bought But they with him perpetually fought And beat him out of heart he said they use Because I am no cock me to abuse But he soon saw because he was no brother 'T was not for they did peck at one another He said when they did peck at one another I 'm well content they use me like a brother Mor. If Forreigners abuse thee make no pother Since Countrey-men deal so with one another FAB 4. Of the man that tempted Apollo A Knavish fellow came to try Apollo Thinking to prove his Oracles were hollow Pretended for to know what they knew not He thought that he had a great purchase got Under his cloak a bird tell me said he Whether this bird alive or dead now be He meant to kill it if he said alive If he said dead he meant it should survive It is said he whether of them you will It you may keep alive or you may kill Mor. Idle conceits do those vain persons follow Who think by any means to cheat Apollo No cloak can hide things from omnisciency God must see all things for God is all-eye FAB 5. Of the Woman and the Hen. A Woman had a Hen which every day As the days came about one egg did lay Give her more meat thought she and she 'l lay two She fed her twice for once but would not do Then she grew fat and would not lay at all Cram'd like a Capon barren was withall Mor. Some folks do take great pains estates to get The Fish once caught they throw away the nee What some Divines do doe this tale doth teach More Livings that they have the less they preach FAB 6. Of the Beaver that geldeth himself BEavers they say are hunted for their stones For medicinal vertues they are precious one A Beaver that was eagerly pursu'd Did know it was because he was endu'd With stones of value he did make no bones To geld and throw to th' Pursuivant his stones 'T was to prevent a far more great disaster The Beaver chose to be a Demy-castor Eunucht himself to use the Logick Idiom Let th' Species goe to keep the Individuum Mor. Ransom thy life with gold and precious stones To part with all for that make thou no bones Men drown their goods that they mayn't sink their Barges Sure none but fools will die for to save charges FAB 7. Of the Tunie and the Dolphin A Tunie by a Dolphin sorely chac'd Did wind himself into a Creek at last The Dolphin did so too wounded was he The Tunie over-joy'd that sight to see Cry'd out with all my wounds much good may doe My self now I do see thee wounded too Mor. It doth asswage mens griefs lighten their woe If they have company and they their foes FAB 8. Of the Fortune-teller A Gypsy us'd folks fortunes for to tell If others she her own knew not so well Whilst she at market was telling the maids What husbands they should have the men what trades How long this boy and t'other Girl should live A large account of things to come did give One came and told a story made her sad Her house was rob'd Thieves had took all she had Then wa is me said she Ahone Ahone I can tell others fortunes not my own Mor. Too many Gypsies in the world there are That of their own concerns do take no care Mind other folks in them they spy all motes Tug at the Oars they have in others boats Neglect their own to them all dooms seem known Of other folks but they don't know their own FAB 9. Of the sick man and the Doctor A Man of Galen's trade to one was sick Did come he felt his pulse found it too quick He ask'd him how he did in a great sweat Said he O that is good if you do get No cold upon it said his loving Quack Or drink cold beer rather a cup of Sack Next time he came he found him cold and chill That 's very good said he I like you still Better and better came for a third see Then he a looseness had that 's good said he That as one said Apochirotonize May the morbifick cause if you be wise One ask'd the man himself who lov'd no lying Said he Quack saith I 'm well but I am dying Mor. All flatterers sneak but th' worst of flattery Is to delude folks when about to die FAB 10. Of the Fowler and the Black-bird A Black-bird did a Fowler see full well Spreading a net what 't meant he could not tell Made bold to ask but such it seems his wit is He made him to believe that he built cities He went into the snare wise-acres he Then greatly long'd forthwith releas'd to be The Fowler came again and saw him there That this your city was I 'se not aware Said he who ever such a city grants Shall surely have but few Inhabitants Mor. Who stirs up fierceness can shew no cause why Cities have never grown by cruelty Who places fill with snares gins and distresses Do turn great Cities into wildernesses FAB 11. Of the Traveller and the Dog that was found A Longsome Journey one had undertook He sought relief from Jove by hook or crook Promis'd whate're he found he half should have But in conclusion he play'd the knave He Dates and Almonds found perhaps 't was Lent But all of them
Hawks to eat I 'm but a mouthful can't your belly fill Said he I shall slide down like a meer pill The greater birds are all at your command His answer was give me a bird i th' hand Mor. Possession's eleven points of the law Reversions won't fill a hungry maw Something some savour has to break ones fast A hungry belly 's evermore in haste FAB 18. Of the Cat and the Cock. PUss long'd for Cocks her longing for to save As many tricks as dancing bear to have She was resolv'd first said folks could not sleep For him because he such a noise did keep No cause said he you that so ill should take You know it is my work the folks to wake You carnally do know Sister and mother Said he if you 'l have reasons there 's another We Bruits have Bruets said he whereby we may Lye with each other else we cannot lay Egs as we do the Cat the question begs That thinks if we don't so we may lay egs Full of excuses said the Cat at last Methinks you are but I don't mean to fast Mor. With some excuses every one would cloak The worst things that he doth and yet revoke What they intended some will not although They nothing signifie they 'r made to know When all pleas fail some openly profess They will do what they list nevertheless Some know no law or reason but their will Baffle all they can say they 'r the same still FAB 19. Of the Fox and the Bramble A Fox distress'd upon a Bramble got There chanc'd to meet what he expected not His foot was sorely prick'd feeling his danger Said he is this your kindness to a stranger Sir Bramble I for refuge hither fled You have so wounded me I 'm almost dead You are a Fox said he and must be scratch'd Brambles like other creatures can't be catch'd They catch if you to me for succour call I am a Hedge I 'm not an Hospital 'T is not for them that such fine skins do wear As you but for Hedge-hogs to quarter here Mor. Foxes may loose their wits by great distress Else to a bramble which is merciless A Fox had never gone to beg his aid Some folks appear without all bowels made Their nature 's to do hurt not to do good To seek to them it must be understood For helps in vain they 'l hinder if they can Or scratch or tear that brambles many a man They 're wofully put to 't to shift and scramble Who for relief make suit unto a bramble FAB 20. Of the Fox and the Crocodile TIme was a Fox and Crocodile contended Which of them two more nobly was descended Crocodile said he was his pedigree So ancient was Nilus's head might be As soon found out as the original Of the house whence he came the Fox did call His skin to witness as it were a Coat Of Arms his house long since was of no note Said th' Fox by that thy skin it may be seen Stript of thy glory thou a long time hast been Mor. H' has led no easie life doubt not to pawn All thou art worth whose hands are hard as brawn Some marks in things puts all out of doubt Words may be spar'd when things themselves speak out Who can be made believe a horse his youth That sees the mark is quite out of his mouth FAB 21. Of the man and the wooden God ONe had a wooden God to whom he pray'd For gold and silver as he wanted aid To him the more he pray'd the less he had That made the man become stark staring mad He took his God by thâ— heels swong him about Threw him against the stones dasht his brains out And this he had to recompence his pains Bursting his seull there he found gold for brains Mor. Whoso to wooden Gods do pray speed worse He rather shall be bless'd who such doth curse FAB 22. Of the Fox and the Hunters A Fox was hunted to a Woodman he Did fly from the pursuit secur'd to be Good Sir said he tell me where I may hide He press'd it hard and it was not deny'd Hide there said he there you may be secure He seem'd in earnest for he look'd demure The Hunter came he 'd not himself disgrace By saying ought but pointed to the place Mor. Some undo with their hands what with their tongues They did bad fingers have if not bad lungs Seem to do good but do hurt in the main Red Cows give good milk kick it down again FAB 24. Of the Husbandman A Wealthy Yeoman when he lay a dying His children came about him all a crying And where his bags were much desir'd to know But durst not say a word to him I trow He said to them When I am dead I bid You dig the Vineyard well there I have hid My gold and silver and my other treasure They dig'd and dig'd and dig'd without all measure But found no money there but money worth For then the Vineyard a huge crop brought forth Mor. 'T is better for to teach thy Son a Spade How for to use than bring him up a Blade For Blades will spend whilst Diggers force the earth To yield its fruit and need not fear a dearth If you can do no more care not a fig Leave Sons a Vineyard say go dig go dig FAB 25. Of the Fisherman A Fisherman no master of his Art For to catch fish did set himself apart For to catch fish on a pipe he did play That by his musick come to hand would they He thought why might not he draw Pike and Carp As Orpheus drew Beasts and trees with 's harp The Fish as listning to his pipe lay still And would not stir at all which he took ill He then put up his pipes us'd them no more Then he threw in his net caught fish good store Which when he ceas'd to pipe would skip and dance But when he pip'd would not one step advance He saw them dance when put out of the net Ashore which he with piping could not get Them for to do in their own element He thought 'em cross and took great discontent Mor. Fishes are mutes and silence they love best With them no noise or musicks in request His great mistake will be cast in his dish Who useth pipes for nets when he would fish Who entertains a fish with noise doth dare him The way to catch a fish is not to scare him The humour of some Customers is such They 'l give your price if you don't talk too much With silence towards some we must advance We must not pipe if we 'd have fish to dance FAB 26. Of the Fishermen FIshermen have a name for patience Without it to attempt that trade 's no sense Yet some of them out of all patience were They'd sped so ill that they could not forbear For to repine weary as horses they And hungry were and yet had caught no prey Packing up to be gone a