Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CCXXVIII

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CCXXVIII.

A Horse-man's Wig Blown off.

THere was a Horse-man had a Cap on with a False Head of Hair Tack'd to's. There comes a Puff of Wind, and Blows off Cap and Wig together. The People made sport he saw with his Bald Crown, and so very fairly he put In with them to Laugh for Company. Why Gentlemen (says he) would you have me keep other Peoples Hair Better then I did my Own?

The Moral.

Many a Man would bbe Extremely Ridiculous, if he did not Spoil the Jest by Playing upon Himself first.

REFLEXION.

'TIS a Turn of Art, in many Cases, either of Deformity, or Mischance, where a Man lies open to a Reproach to Anticipate an Abuse, and to make Sport with Himself first. A Man may be Shame-Fac'd, and a Woman Modest, to the Degree of Scandalous. I knew a Lady had one of the most Bashful, Scrupulous Persons to her Daughter that ever was Born. Well, says she, I am mightily afraid, This Girl will prove a Whore; for she is so Infinitely Modest, that in my Conscience if any Man should ever Ask her the Question, she would not have the Face to Deny him. A Frank Easy way of Openness and Candor agrees Best with All Humours; and He that's Over-solicitous to Conceal a Thing, does as good as make Proclamation of it. Wherefore the Horse-man here Laugh'd first; and so Prevented the Jest.