9 Horse and the ass 1 33 1 32 Horse and the lyon 1 223 Horse and those that mocked him 1 45 Horse and the stag 1 22 Hound that was despised 1 182 Howpe 1 182 Jealous Husband 2 71 Husband and the wife 2 131 Husband and his two wives 2 161 Husbandman 1 192 2 62 Husbandman and the dogs 1 57 2 13 2 62 Husbandman and his sons 1 51 2 14 2 51 2 74 Husbandman and the stork 1 60 1 210 Husbandman and the poet 2 213 I JAck-daw 2 180 Jack-daw and the pidgeon 2 179 Jack-daw and the sheep 1 65 Jester and the Bishop 1 181 Jupiter 2 182 and 183 1 126 Jupiter and the ape 1 81 Jupiter and the crow 2 76 K kId and the wolf 1 24 King and the apes 1 126 Kings-fisher 2 165 Sick Kite 1 15 Bald Knight 1 95 L LAmb and the Wolf 1 49 2 72 Lark and her young ones 1 139 1 131 Libard and the Fox 1 123 Linnet and the boy 1 180 Log and the Oxen 1 179 Lyon the Ass and the Fox 2 92 Lyon and the Bear 2 135 Lyon and the Fox 1 43 Lyon and the Frog 169 2 89 Lyon and the hunter 1 110 Lyon and the hog 1 229 Lyon and the man 2 115 Lyon and mouse 1 140 2 170 Lyon and others 1 5 1 175 Lyon and the she-goat 1 78 1 108 Lyon that was past his strength 1 12 2 90 Lyon that loved a country man's daughter 2 93 Lyoness and the fox 2 40 Lyon and the wolf 2 153 M MAn and Apollo 2 7 Man and his friends 1 220 Man and his money bags 1 233 Man whom the dog bit 2 16 2 65 Man and his wooden god 2 48 Man and his Satyre 2 10 Man and his wife 1 188 Members and the belly 1 40 1 137 Mice and the cat 2 71 Mountains bringing forth 1 21 Mouse and the cat 2 204 Mouse and the frog 1 3 Mouse and the kite 1 207 Mouse that was bred in a chest 1 140 City-mouse and Country-mouse 1 9 Mule 2 79 Mule and the horse 1 184 N NEat-herd 2 202 Nightingale and the hawk 1 226 Nurse and the wolf 1 86 Nut-tree ass and the woman 2 202 O OAk and the reed 1 82 1 101 Old-man 1 164 Old-man and death 1 232 2 280 Old-man and the young fellow that stole his apples 1 225 Old-man's son and the lyon 2 32 old-Old-woman and the Devil 1 170 Old-woman and the maid 1 76 Owl 1 158 Ox and the steer 1 120 P PEach-tree and the apple-tree 2 123 Peacock and the crane 1 100 Peacock and jack-daw 2 37 Peacock and the magpy 1 71 Peacock and the nightingale 1 66 Pidgeon 2 198 Pidgeons and the kite 1 18 Pidgeon and the magpy 1 145 Pismire and the grashopper 1 84 2 130 Pismire 1 70 2 186 Pismire and the pidgeon 2 99 Physician 2 81 Pots 1 96 Priest and the Pears 1 183 Pike 1 217 Pidgeon and the crow 2 199 R RAven and the fox 1 11 Raven and the serpent 2 178 Sick-raven 2 87 Ram and the Bull. 1 214 Reed and the Olive-tree 2 19 Rich-man 2 200 Rich-man and his servant 1 168 River and its spring 1 194 S Allow and the ax 2 120 Satyr and the country-man 1 131 Satyr and the traveller 1 89 Sea-men 1 158 Serpent 1 197 Serpent and the husbandmen 2 112 Serpent and the crab 2 151 Sheep and the shepherd 1 218 Shepherd that turned seaman 2 31 Shepherd and the sea 2 122 Shepherd and the Husbandman 1 62 Shepherd and the wolf 2 152 Sick-man and the doctour 2 26 2 104 1 72 Smith and his dog 2 78 Snail 1 208 Souldier and his horses 1 177 Sow and the bitch 2 150 Spider and the gout 1 139 Spider and the swallow 1 143 Stag and the oxen 1 42 Sun and the North-wind 1 89 Swallow and the crow 2 157 Swallow and other birds 1 10 Shepherd 2 201 Swan 1 52 2 155 Swine and the dog 1 178 2 149 T TAnner and the hunter 1 81 Thief and the dog 1 16 Thieves 2 179 Thrushes and the swallow 1 165 Tiger and the fox 1 126 Timber and the oxen 1 150 Tortoise and the eagle 1 87 2 143 Tortoise and the frogs 1 171 Traveller 2 114 Traveller and the bag of dates 2 29 Travellers 2 162 2 188 Trees 1 151 Trumpeter 1 55 220 2 79 Tunie and the Dolphin 2 23 2 80 V VIper and the file 1 37 Vulture and the birds 1 79 W WAgoner and the wheel 1 219 Wasps the partridges and the husbandman 2 125 Wax 1 191 Weasel and the mice 1 67 Wicked man and the devil 1 195 Widow and the green ass 1 215 Wild ass 2 189 Witch 2 160 Woman 2 154 Woman and the hen 2 64 2 110 Woman and her Husband 1 197 Woman and her dying husband 1 153 Woman and her lover 1 154 Woman and her maids 2 159 Woman and the Phycisian 2 61 Woodman 2 105 Wood and the country-man 1 91 Wolf and the crane 1 6 2 35 Wolf and the dog 1 56 Wolf and the lamb 1 12 2 96 Wolf and the fox 1 35 Wolf and the painted head 1 28 Wolf and the porcupine 1 206 Wolf and the sheep 2 184 Wolf in the sheeps-skin 1 211 Wolf and the young sow 1 20 Wolf and the old-woman 2 206 Wolves and the lambs 1 38 Worm and the fox 2 204 Y YOung fellow that sung at his mothers burial 1 198 Young fellow and the cook 2 18 Young man and the cat 1 50 Young man and the swallow 2 103 Young men 1 46 Youth that mocked the old man 1 163 Des Erasmi Adag Chiliad 2. Centur. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Ne Aesopum quidem trivisti De vehementer stupidis imperitis Nam antiquitùs Aesopi fabellas etiam vulgus Idiotarum tenebat Has igitu◠qui non legisset nihil scire videbatur AESOP'S FABLES English and Latin 1. Of the Cock. 1. A Cock as he turn'd over a dunghil found a pearl saying Why do I find a thing so bright 2. If the jeweller had found it none would have been more glad than he as being one that could tell the worth of it 3. It is indeed of no use to me nor do I much value it nay truly I had rather have a barley-corn than all the Pearls in the World 4. The Moral Vnderstandly the Pearl Art and Wisdom and by the Cock a dotish man and one that is given to pleasure 5. Neither do blockish people love the Liberal Arts seeing they know not the use of them nor a voluptuous person because he delighteth only in pleasure 2. Of the Wolf and the Lamb. 1. A Wolf drinking at a spring-head saw a Lamb drinking a great way below 2. He ran to it and chid the Lamb because it muddied the Spring 3. The Lamb trembled and humbly besought him that he would spare an innocent 4. Saying that he
which having much ado to catch the least things that flie with great toil did think that I could hold such great birds 5. Mor. We are advised by this fable not to undertake things beyond our strength 144. Of a Country-man that was to pass over a River 1. A Country-man being to pass over a River which by chance had grown big with showers sought for a ford 2. And when he had first tried that part of the River which seemed more quiet and still he found it deeper than he had thought in his mind 3. Again where he found it more shallow and safe there the streams ran with a greater noise of waters 4. Then he said to himself how more safely may we commit our life to waters that make a great noise than to them that are still and quiet 5. Mor. We are admonished by this fable that we should less fear men that are full of words and use to threaten than still men 145. Of the Pigeon and the Magpy 1. A Pigeon being asked by a Magpy what persuaded her to build always in the same place seeing her young ones were always taken thence from her 2. Answered Simplicity 3. Mor. This fable sheweth that honest men are oftentimes easily deceived 146. Of the Cuckow and the Hawk 1. THE Cuckow was jeered by the Hawk that whereas she was as big bodied as she and not unlike in colour to her for narrowness of spirit she would rather eat earth-worms than the sweet flesh of other birds 2. Within a few days after she saw the Hawk being caught by a Country-man whose pigeons she pursued to hang down from an high turret for the terrour of others 3. To whom the Cuckow said Friend how much better had it been for you to hunt worms than to make after other folks birds 4. Mor. This fable sheweth that their life is safer and more to be liked of that are content with their own things without danger than theirs who coveting other mens things undergo great perils of life 147. Of the Ass and the Calf 1. THE Ass and the Calf feeding in the same pasture had perceived by the sound of a Bell that the Enemies army came towards them 2. Then the Calf said O companion let us run away hence lest the enemies carry us away prisoners 3. To whom the Ass said Do thou run away whom the enemies have used to kill and eat 4. It maketh no matter to the Ass to whom the same article of carrying a burden is every where offered 5. Mor. This fable admonisheth servants that they do not much fear to change their Masters if so be that they are not like to be worse than their former 148. Of the Fox and the Women that eat the Hens 1. A Fox passing by a farm-house espied a company of women very silently eating a great many hens very daintily roasted 2. Towards whom she turning her self said What outcries and barking of dogs would there be against me if I should do that which you do 3. To whom an old woman answering said Thou base creature we 〈◊〉 those things that are our own but thou stealest other mens things 4. Mor. This fable adviseth us that we do not think we may do that with other mens things which the owners may do 149. Of the fat Capons and the lean one 1. A Man had largely crammed many Capons which were shut up in the same coop who were made fat all saving one whom his fellows mocked as a lean rascal 2. The Master being to entertain some noble guests at a dainty and costly feast commands the cook that he should kill and dress some of those which he should find fatter than others 3. The fat ones hearing this troubled themselves saying How much better had it been for us to be lean 4. Mor. This fable was invented for poor mens comfort whose life is safer than rich mens 150. Of the piece of Timber and the Oxen that drew it 1. A Piece of Elm-Timber complained to the Oxen saying O ye ingratefull Oxen I have fed you a long time with my green boughs but you drag me that have nourished you along the stones and the mire 2. To whom the Oxen made answer Our groans and our sighs and the goad wherewith we are pricked can teach thee that we draw thee full sore against our wills 3. Then the piece of timber pardoned them 4. Mor. This fable teacheth us that we be not angry against them that hurt us against their wills 151. Of the goodly Trees and the ill-favoured one 1. A Great many trees grew together in the same place being tall streight and free from knots except one that was low little and knotty which the other used to make a mocking stock on as being ill favoured and dwarfish 2. The Owner of them being about to build an house in a place gave order that they should all be fell'd except that which seemed likely to make the house unhandsome by its shortness and ill favouredness 3. When the rest were cut down the ill favoured one said thus with it self Nature I will no more complain of thee because thou hast bred me ill favoured seeing I see such great dangers to hang over the heads of them that are fair 4. Mor. This fable doth admonish us that we be not sorry that we are born unhandsome seeing handsomness hath oftentimes done many hurt 152. Of the Swan that sung at her death and was blamed by the Stork 1. THE Swan being ready to die was asked by the Stork why she sung far more sweetly at her death which other living creatures so much dread than she had done in all her life seeing she ought rather to be sad 2. To whom the Swan said Because I shall never be vexed any more with the care of seeking meat nor shall I fear the snares of Fowlers 3. Mor. This fable admonisheth us that we do not fear death by which all the miseries of this present life are cut off 153. Of the Woman that wailed for her dying Husband and of her Mother that comforted her 1. A Mother comforted a woman that was yet but young whose Husband lay a dying saying Daughter do not afflict thy self do not take on so very much for I have found thee another husband a great deal handsomer than this who will quickly ease thee of thy want of thy former husband 2. But the woman not able to refrain her sorrow as one that did ardently affect her husband did not onely turn the deaf ear towards her mother's words but blamed the unseasonable mention of another husband 3. But as soon as she saw her husband dead amidst her tears and mourning she asked her mother whether the young Man was there whom she would give her for a husband 4. Mor. This tale sheweth how quickly women use to forget their love to their deceased husbands 154. Of a Woman that wept for her Lovers departure 1. A Dishonest woman wept sore for her sweet-heart when he
would attend upon virtue which would bring him commendation and credit 2. To whom the son said Father you persuade me in vain to do these things 3. For I have heard many preachers as folks say who persuaded to a virtuous course better than you and yet I never followed their admonitions Mor. This fable sheweth that men of a wicked disposition will forsake vice at no bodies persuasion 213. Of the Dog that kill'd his Masters Sheep who hanged him for it 1. A Shepherd had committed his Sheep to his Dog to keep feeding him with very good meat 2. But he oftentimes killed one sheep or other 3. Which when the shepherd had minded he took his dog and would needs kill him 4. To whom the dog said Why do you desire to kill me I am one of your houshold rather kill the wolf which continually layes wait about your sheepfold 5. Nay quoth the Shepherd I think thou deservest death more than the wolf 6. For he doth openly profess himself my enemy but thou continually lessenest my flock under a shew of friendship Mor. This fable sheweth that they are far more to be punished who do us hurt under a shew of friendship than they that openly profess themselves our enemies 214. Of the Ram that fought with a Bull. 1. THere was a Ram among the sheep that had such a strong head and horns that he quickly and easily overcame the other Rams 2. Wherefore when he found no Ram more that duâ—st withstand him as he ran against him being puft up with often victories he was so bold as to dare a Bull to fight with him 3. But at the first push when he had butted against the Bulls forehead he was beaten back with such a cruel blow that being almost dead he said these words 4. Fool that I am what have I done Why durst I provoke such a potent adversary to whom nature hath made me unequal Mor. This fable sheweth that we must not strive with them that are more powerfull 215. Of the Widow and the green Ass 1. A Widow loathing a single kind of life had a mind to marry but she durst not being afraid of the jeering of the common sort which use to rail upon them that marry twice 2. But her Gossip shewed her how the peoples words were to be slighted by this trick 3. For she gave order that a white Ass that the widow had should be painted green and led about through all the streets of the City 4. Which whilst it was done all folks were so taken with admiration at the first that not onely children but also old people being moved with this unusual matter accompanied the Ass to satisfie their mind 5. Afterwards when this kind of beast was every day led through the City they gave over wondring 6. In like manner quoth her Gossip to the widow it will befall you 7. For if you take a husband you will be the peoples talk for some few days but afterwards this talk will be husht Mor. This fable sheweth that there is nothing so much worthy admiration which in continuance of time doth not cease to be a wonder 216. Of the Eagle that snatcht away the Conies young ones 1. AN Eagle having set her nest in a very high tree had snatch'd away a Conies young ones which fed not far from thence for prey for her own young whom the Cony intreated with fair words that she would vouchsafe to give her her young ones again 2. But she supposing her to be a feeble and terrestrial creature and unable to do her any hurt made no scruple to pull them in pieces with her tallons in the sight of their dam and to lay them before her young to be eaten 3. Then the Cony being vexed at the death of her young ones did not suffer this wrong to go unpunished 4. For she dig'd up the tree that bare the nest by the roots which falling down with a small blast of wind threw the Eagle's young ones that were yet unfledg'd and unable to flie down upon the ground which being eaten up by the wild beasts afforded the Cony great ease of her sorrow Mor. This fable sheweth that no man trusting to his own greatness ought to despise those that are weaker seeing the weaker sometimes revenge the wrongs of them that are stronger 217. Of the Pyke a River-fish that desired to be King of the Sea 1. THere was a Pyke in the River that exceeded all the fish of that River in fairness greatness and strength 2. Whereupon they all admired him and gave him the greatest honour that could be as if he were a King 3. Wherefore being grown proud he began to desire greater command 4. Having therefore left the River in which he had reigned many years he went into the Sea to challenge the command thereof to himself 5. But meeting with a Dolphin of a wonderfull greatness which bare all the sway in it he was so pursued by him that as he fled away he had much ado to get into the mouth of the river from whence he durst not any more go forth Mor. This Fable admonisheth us that being content with our own things we should not desire those that are far greater than our strength 218. Of the Sheep that railed upon the Shepherd 1. A Sheep railed upon a Shepherd because be being not content with the milk which he milkt from her for his own use and the use of his children did moreover bare her of her fleece 2. Then the Shepherd being angry drayled her young one to death 3. Canst thou quoth the sheep do any thing worse to me 4. I can kill thee quoth the Shepherd and throw thy carcase to be eaten by wolves and dogs 5. Then the sheep was silent fearing yet greater mischiefs Mor. This fable sheweth that men ought not to be angry against God if he suffer their wealth and their children to be taken from them seeing he is able to bring greater punishments upon them both when they are alive and when they are dead 219. Of the Waggoner and the Waggon-wheel that whined 1. THE Waggoner asked the Waggon why that wheel which was the worse whined seeing the other did not so 2. To whom the waggon said Sick folks are always wont to be peevish and full of complaint Mor. This fable sheweth that miseries are wont always to make men complain 220. Of the Man that would trie his Friends 1. A Man that was very rich and liberal had a great abundance of friends whom he often invited to supper unto which they came very willingly 2. Now being desirous to try whether they would be faithfull unto him in toyl and danger he called them all together saying that there were enemies risen up against him whom he was resolved to go kill 3. Wherefore they should take up arms and go with him that they might revenge the wrongs that were offered him 4. Then they all saving two began to excuse themselves 5.
AN Ass taking it in dudgeon that a Jester was had in honour and â—inely clad because he let great farts went to the Magistrates desiring that they would not shew less honour to him than they did to the Jester 2. And when the Magistrates wondring asked him why he thought himself so worthy of honour he said because he let greater farts than the jester and those too without any stink 3. Mor. This fable blames those that lavish out their money in toys 194. Of the River that reviled its own Spring 1. A River reviled its own Spring as if it were idle because it stood unmoveable and had no fish in it 2. But it highly commended it self because it bred very good fish and crept along the vallies with a pleasing noise 3. The spring being vex'd against the River as being ungratefull withheld its waters 4. Then the River being deprived of its fish and pleasing noise vanished away 5. Mor. This fable noteth them that arrogate the good things that they do to themselves and do not attibute them to God from whence as from a large fountain all our good things come 195. Of the wicked man and the Devil 1. A Wicked man after he had committed a great many villanies and was often taken and put in close prison and was very narrowly watch'd besought a Devil's help which had often been with him and helped him out of many dangers 2. At the last the Devil appeared to him being caught again and beseeching his wonted help having a great bundle of shoes with the bottoms worn quite out upon his shoulders saying Friend I can help thee no longer 3. For I have travelled up and down so many places hitherto to get thee at liberty that I have worn out all these shoes and I have no money left wherewithall I may be able to get others 4. Wherefore thou must even perish 5. Mor. This fable teacheth us not to think that our sins shall always be unpunished 196. Of the Birds that would chuse more Kings 1. THE Birds held a council about chusing more Kings forasmuch as the Eagle alone could not rule such great flocks of Birds 2. And they had done according to their desire except they had forborn such a resolution by the advice of the Crow 3. Who when she was asked a reason why she thought more Kings were not to be elected she said 4. Because many bags are more hardly filled than one 5. Mor. This fable teacheth us that it is far better to be governed by one than by many Princes 197. Of the Woman which would die for her Husband 1. A Very chast Matron and one that loved her Husband very well was troubled that her Husband was sick and she took on and sighed and that she mighâ— testifie her love to her Husband she besought Death that if he was about to take her Husband and away from her he would kill her rather than him 2. Amidst these words she sees death coming with a gastly look with the fear of whom she being affâ—ighted now repenting her of her wish she said 3. It is not I that thou lookest for he whom thou art come to kill lyeth there in the bed 4. Mor. This fable sheweth that no man loveth his friend so well that witheth not better to himself than to another 198. Of a Young Fellow that sang at his Mothers burial 1. AN husband wept and wailed for his deceased wife which was carried out to be buried but his son did sing 2. Who when his father blamed him as if he were mad and out of his wits that would sing at his mothers funeral whereas he ought to mourn and weep with him he said 3. Father if you have hired the Priests to sing why are you angry at me that sing for nothing 4. To whom his Father said Thy office and the Priest's is not the same 5. Mor. This fable sheweth that all things are not seemly for all men 199. Of the Jealous Husband that had put his Wife to be looked to 1. A Jealous husband had put his wife whom he had found to live not very chastly to a friend that he much trusted to be looked to having promised him a great sum of money if he would so narrowly watch her that she could by no means violate wedlock 2 But he after he had tried a good many days that this charge was too hard and had found his wit to be outvied by the womans wiliness coming to her husband said That he would no longer take this hard task upon him 3. Seeing that not so much as Argus himself who was all eyes could keep a woman against her will 4. He said moreover that If it were a thing must needs be he had rather carry a sack full of fleas every day for a whole year together into the Meadow and by unâ—ying the sack to let them feed amongst the grass and when it grows night to bring them back again home than look to a dishonest woman one day 5. Mor. This fable sheweth that no keepers are so diligent that can be able to keep dishonest women 200. Of the Fellow that refused a Glyster 1. A Man a German by Nation one that was very rich was sick to look to whom a great many Physicians came for flies flie together by companies to the Honey whereof one amongst other things said that a Glyster was necessary if he would recover 2. Which when the man being never used to this kind of Physick heard â—alling into a rage he commanded the Physicians should be packt out of the house 3. Saying that they were mad who would cure his breech when his head aked 4. Mor. This fable sheweth that all things even those that are wholesome seem harsh and likely to do hurt to them that are not used to them and have not tried them 201. Of the Ass that was sick and the Wolves that came to visit him 1. AN Ass was sick and a report had gone abroad that he was like to die shortly 2. Therefore when the Wolves and the Dogs came to visit him and ask'd of the young one how his Father did he made answer through a crevise in the door Better then ye would have me 3. Mor. This fable sheweth that many feign that they are troubled for the death of others whom they desire to die quickly 202. Of the Nut-tree the Ass and the Woman 1. A Woman asked a Nut-tree that grew by the way side which was beaten with stones by people that passed by why it was so mad that by how much the more and greater blows it was beaten with it would yield by so much the more and better fruit 2. To whom the Wall-nut-tree said Dost thou not remember the Proverb that saith thus One self-same Law doth surely bind The Nut the Ass the Woman kind There 's none of these that rightly does Except sometimes ye give them blows 3. Mor. This fable implieth that men are oftentimes wont to wound
souldiers could avail him towards the victory he answered 3. The Ass will call on my Souldiers to fight with the sound of the trumpet and the Hare will serve for a Letter-Post because of the swiftness of her feet Mor. This Fable signifieth That no body is so contemptible but may do us good in some thing or other 230. Of the Hawks that fell out among themselves which the Pigeons made friends 1. THE Hawks being at odds one with another fought every day and being busied with their own quarrels they did not trouble other birds 2. The Pigeons being sorry for their hap made them friends by sending Ambassadors 3. But they assoon as they were made friends amongst themselves did not forbear to vex and kill the other weaker birds and especially the Pigeons 4. Then said the Pigeons amongst themselves How much better for us was the Hawks falling out than their agreement Mor. This Fable teacheth us that the factions of bad citizens amongst themselves are rather to be cherished than extinguished that they may let honest men live quietly whilst they fall to drawing of swords amongst themselves 231. Of the Governour that was condemned of money unjustly taken 1. A Governour that had robbed the treasury that he had charge of was condemned of extortion 2. And when with much ado he restored what was taken away one of that Province said 3. This Governour of ours doth as women do which when they conceive children are very well pleased but when they bring them forth are extreamly pained Mor. This fable implieth that we must not steal other mens goods lest when we are forced to part with them we be much grieved 232. Of the old Man that would put off Death 1. AN old man intreated death which came to take him away that he would forbear a little till he had made his Will and had provided other things needfull for such a journey 2. To whom death saith Why hast thou not hitherto provided being so often warned by me 3. And when he said he never saw him before he said When I took away every day not only thy equals whereof none almost now remain but also young folks children and infants did I not put thee in mind of thy mortality 4. When thou perceivedst thy eyes to grow dim thy hearing to be less and thy other senses day by day to fail and thy body to wax unweildly did not I tell thee that I was nigh and dost thou say thou hadst no warning 5. Wherefore thou must put me off no longer Mor. This fable sheweth that we ought so to live as if we saw death to he always by us 233. Of the Man that spake to his bag of Money 1. A Covetous man who was ready to die and like to leave a great heap of gold Nobles that was ill gotten behind him asked his bag of money which he had bidden to be brought him now that he was dying whom it was likely to make merry 2. To whom the bag said Thine heirs that shall spend the money that thou hast gotten with so much toyl upon whores and feastings and the devils that shall keep thy soul prisoner in eternal torments Mor. This fable sheweth that it is a very fond thing to bestow pain about such matters â—s may be like to afford others joy and our selve torment The End of the First Book AESOP's FABLES English and Latin The Second Book 1. Of the Fox and the He-Goat 1. A Fox and an He-goat being thirsty went down into a Well in which after they had drunk the Fox saith to the He-goat looking about him how to get forth Have a good heart Goat for I have devised a way how we may both get back 2. For thou shalt rear thy self streight up holding thy forefeet against the wall and lean thy horns forward holding down thy chin to thy brest and I skipping over thy back and thy horns and getting out oâ— the Well will pull thee out thence afterwards 3. Whose advice the He-goat relying upon and being ready to do aâ— he â—ad him the Fox skipt out of the Well and then danced about thâ— well side for joy and was very merry taking no care at all for the He-goat 4. But when he was blamed by the He-goat as a covenant-breaken he answered In good truth Goat If thou hadst as much understanding in thy mind as thou hast hairs on thy chin thou wouldest not have gone down into the well before thou hadst thought of a way how to go out again Mor. This fable implieth that a wise man ought to consider the enâ— before he come to undertake a business 2. Of the Fox and the Lion 1. A Fox having never seen a Lion before when once he met him â— the way before he was aware was so affrighted at the sight â— him that he had like to have died 2. Which when it fortuned a second time afterwards he was affrightâ— indeed at the sight of the Lion but not so as before 3. But when a third time he saw the same Lion in the City he 〈◊〉 not only not affrighted but also went boldly to him and talked and diâ—â—coursed with him Mor. This fable implieth that custom and acquaintance causeth thâ— those things seem neither terrible nor dreadfull which are most toâ— feared and dreaded 3. Of the Cocks and the Partridge 1. ONE having Cocks at home bought a Partridge and put her â—â—mongst the Cocks to be kept and fattâ—d and the Cocks eveâ— one for his own particular pecâ—â— her and beat her away 2. Now the Partridge was grieved in her self thinking that the Cocks did such things to her because her kind was quite differing from theirs 3. But when he saw them shortly after fighting among themselves and striking one another being eased of his grief and sorrow he said 4. Verily I will not be troubled any more hereafter so long as I see them bickering at it even amongst themselves Mor. This fable implieth that a discrect man ought patiently to bear the affronts offered him by those of another Country whom he seeth not to forbear to wrong even those of their own home 4. Of the Fox and the Head that he found 1. A Fox going once into a Musician's house as he gazed upon all the instruments of Musick and all the furniture of the house he found a Wolf's head skilfully and workman-like made of marble which when he had taken up in his hand he said O head that was made with a great deal of wit having no wit at all Mor. This fable belongeth to them that have gallantry of body but no activeness of mind 5. Of the Collier and the Fuller 1. A Collier that dwelt in an hired house invited a Fuller that was come thither hard by that he would dwell with him in the same house 2. To whom the 〈◊〉 answered O friend it will not be convenient for me to do so for I 〈◊〉 afraid lest that whatsoever I whiten thou shouldst smut at
which were not mine own be gonâ— from me 4. Those also are gone which were born with me Mor. This fable sheweth that we ought not to be sorry for lost means For that which we receive not of nature when we are born cannot alway continue with us 34. Of the Eagle and the Fox 1. AN Eagle and a Fox having made a league of amity betwixâ— themselves resolved to dwell hard by one another supposing their friendship would be the more fâ—m by their often converse 2. The Eagle therefore made her nest upon a high tree and the 〈◊〉 laid her cubs near the tree among the bramble bushes 3. One day then when the fox went out of her kennel to seek something wherewithall to feed her cubs the Eagle euen her self lacking meat flew into the covert and snatcht away the foxes cubs and gave them to her young ones to eat 4. When the fox came back again and understood of the cruel death of her young ones she was very sorrowfull 5. And whereas she was not able to revenge her self of the Eagle because being a four-footed beast she could not pursue a bird she curseâ— the eagle a thing which is incident to the poor and impotent and wished some mischief or other might befall her 6. Into so great a hatred is violated friendship turned 7. It befell then in those days that a goat was sacrificed in the countrey a piece whereof the eagle snatch'd away together with the live coals carried it to her nest but when the wind blew somewhat high 〈◊〉 nest which was made of hay and small and dry sticks was burnt 8. Assoon as the Eagle's young ones felt the fire because they were not yet able to flie they fell down to the ground 9. The fox catch'd them up presently and aâ—e them in the eagle's sight Mor. This Tale signifieth that they which violate friendship though they may avoid the vengeance of them whom they have hurt yet shall noâ— escape the judgment of God 35. Of the Eagle and the Raven 1. AN Eagle flying down from an high rock snatcht a lamb away ouâ— of a flock of sheep which thing when a raven saw being moved with emulation she flew upon a Ram with a great deal of noise and croaking and so fastned her claws into the Rams fleece that she could not rid her self thence no not by the fluttering of her wings 2. When the shepherd saw her thus intangled he ran to the raven and catcht her and after he had cut her wings he gave her to his children to play withall 3. But when one asked the raven what bird she was the raven said Heretofore indeed according to mine own conceit I was an Eagle but now I know verily that I am but a Raven Mor. This fable signifieth that he that dareth to attempt any thing beyond his strength doth only bring this about that he falls too often into adversity and makes himself ridiculous to the common sort 36. Of the Eagle and the dung-Beetle 1. AN Eagle pursued an Hare the Hare not knowing what to do seeing a Beetle which the opportunity offered her besought help of it to whom the Beetle promised safety and its protection 2. Afterwards when the beetle saw the Eagle drawing near it intreats her that she would not take us servant away from it by force 3. But the Eagle scorning the beetle's littleness devoured the hare before its face 4. But the beetle remembring the wrong done it minded where the Eagle built 5. Lo the Eagle layeth her eggs the beetle being carried aloft with its wings flies to the Eagle's nest and rowling out the eggs threw them down to the ground 6. The eagle being grieved for the loss of her eggs flew to Jupiter for she is a bird consecrated to that god and desired him that she might have a safe place granted to lay her eggs in 7. Jupiter gave her leave that when the time comes she should lay her eggs in his lap 8. The beetle foreseeing this made a ball of dung and flying up on high let it fall upon Jupiters lap 9. Jupiter being desirous to shake the ball out of his lap shak'd out the Eagles eggs also with it 10. From that time to this they say the eagle never layeth whilst the beetles are in being Mor. This fable signifieth that no man surely is to be despised because there is no body that receiveth a wrong but may seek to revenge himself when time serveth 37. Of the Nightingale and the Hawk 1. A Nightingale as she 〈◊〉 on a high oak sung all alone as she used to do 2. So soon as a Hawk that was seeking meat espied her he flew to her on a sudden and snatch'd her away 3. But the Nightingale when she saw she was going to be killed intreated the hawk that he would let her go because she was not sufficient to fâ—ll his belly but that it would be a gallant piece of work to turn him to the greater birds to satisfie himself 4. The hawk looking frowningly upon her said Truly I should be worse than a fool if I should let go the meat which I have in my clutches in hopes of a larger prey Mor. The tale signifieth that they that for go that which they have in their hands in hope of greater matters are too much void of wit reason 38. Of the Fox and the He-Goat 1. A Fox and an He-goat being thirsty went down into a Well but when after their drinking the He-goat looked for a way out the fox said gently to him 2. Have a good heart for I have well considered what may be for our safety 3. For thou shalt stand bolt upright and hold thy fore-feet and thy horns close to the wall and I climbing over thy shoulders and thy horns after I shall be got out of the pit will take thee by the hands and draw thee hence from above 4. The He-goat was very ready to serve him 5. The Fox being glad of his own getting out played upon the goat about the mouth of the well 6. But as the He-goat blamed him that he had not kept covenant with 〈◊〉 the fox said witâ—ily to him 7. Goat If thou hadst had so much wit as thy beard hath hairs thou wouldst not have gone down into the pit before thou hadst consideratively seen a way out thence Mor. This fable sheweth that men that are wise will first consider the end of things before they set themselves to do things 39. Of the Fox and the Lion 1. WHen a Fox that had never seen a Lion met him by chance he was so affrighted that he was even ready to die 2. When he saw him a second time he was affrighted but not so as at the first 3. When he looked upon him the third time he came nearer him and ventured to talk with him face to face Mor. This fable sheweth that use and custom makes the most terrible things familiar 40. Of the Cat and the Cock.