Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CCLX

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CCLX.

A Pigeon and a Pye.

A Pye was Wond'ring once to a Pigeon, why she would Breed still in the same Hole, when her Young Ones were constantly taken away from her before they were able to fly. Why That's my Simplicity, says the Pigeon, I mean no Harm, and I suspect None.

The MORAL.

Do as You would be done by, is a Better Rule in the Doctrine, then in the Practice: For Trust as you would be Trusted, will not hold betwixt a Knave and an Honest Man. There's no Dealing with a Sharper but at his Own Play.

REFLEXION.

THE Truer Hearted any Man is, the more Lyable is he to be Impos'd upon: And then the World calls it Out-witting of a Man; when, in truth, he’s only Out-knav’d: And obligd, even in Charity and Good Nature, to Believe till he be Couzen’d. And we find the Country-man's Observation Confirm'd by Daily Experience. This does not yet Hinder a sincere Singleness of Heart from being a Vertue so necessary for the Comfort and Security of Mankind, that Humane Society cannot subsist without it. And therefore 'tis a Thousand Pities it should be so Discountenanc'd, and Abus'd, as in the Common Practice of the World we find it is. But it stands Firm however to the same Tenor of Life, As the Pigeon kept still to the same Hole to lay her Eggs in what'ere she Lost by't.