Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CCXXXV
Fab. CCXXXV.
A Tyger and a Fox.
AS a Huntsman was upon the Chace, and the Beasts flying before him; Let Me alone, says a Tyger, and I'll put an end to This War my self: At which Word, he Advanced toward the Enemy in his Single Person. The Resolution was no sooner Taken, but he found himself Struck through the Body with an Arrow. He Fasten'd upon it presently with his Teeth, and while he was Trying to Draw it out, a Fox Ask'd him, from what Bold Hand it was that he Receiv'd This Wound. I know Nothing of That, says the Tiger, but by the Circumstances, it should be a Man.
The Moral.
REFLEXION.
BOLDNESS without Conduct is no better then an Impetus, which is commonly Worsted by Conduct and Design. There's No Man so Daring but some time or Other he Meets with his Match. The Moral, in short, holds forth This Doctrine, that Reason is too Hard for Force; and that Temericks puts a Man off his Guard. 'Tis a High Point of Honour, Philosophy and Vertue, for a Man to be so Present to Himself as to be always Provided against All Encounters, and Accidents whatsoever; but This will not Hinder him from Enquiring Diligently into the Character, the Strength, Motions, and Designs of an Enemy. The Tyger lost his Life for want of This Circumspection.