Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CCCCXVIII
Fab. CCCCXVIII.
A Boar Challenges an Ass.
THere pafsd some Hard Words betwixt a Boar and an Ass, and a Challenge follow'd upon't. The Boar depended upon his Tusks, and computed within himself, that Head to Head the 'tother could never be able to Encounter him. So he Advanc'd upon his Adversary: And the Ass, so soon as ever he had him within Distance, turn'd Tayl upon him, and gave him such a Lash over the Chops with his Iron Hoof, that he made him stagger again. The Boar after a little Pause, Recover'd himself. Well, (says he) I was not aware of such an Attack from that End.
The Moral.
REFLEXION.
This Fable shews the great Oversight of Engaging in Quarrels, without Considering from what Quarter the Danger may come. Where Adversaries are unequally Match’d, it will behove the Weaker to supply the want of Force and Courage, by Invention and Address. Presumption can never Justify either Temerity or Carelessness; for every Creature has its Weak Side, and lies open to be Impos'd upon by Craft or Surprize. There’s an Infamy in the very Challenge of so Base and Timerous a Creature; but then to be Worsted by an Animal that's the Scorn of all the Rest, is Shameful and Ridiculous to the Highest Degree.