Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CLXI
Fab. CLXI.
A Swallow and a Crow.
UPon a Dispuce betwixt a Swallow and a Crow, which was the Greater Beauty of the Two: Yours, says the Crow is only a Spring-Beauty, bur mine lasts all the Year round.
The MORAL.
Of Two Things Equally Good, that’s the Best that lasts longest.
REFLEXION.
The Greatest of Temporal Blessings, are Health, and Long Life; and the most Durable of Good Things must Consequently be the Best. The Question here betwixt the Crow and the Swallow, has somewhat in it of the Case betwixt Virtue and Sensual Pleasures, as (for the purpose) of Youth, Wine, Women, and All other Entertainments whatsoever, that may serve to Gratify a Carnal Appetite. Here’s Temporary Oppos'd to Etcrnal; Joys that shall Endure for Ever, Fresh, and in Vigour; to Satisfactions that are attended with Satiety and Surfeits, and Flatten in the very Tasting.